Pres Solih highlights coalition's abundant political experience and understanding of people's needs

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has emphasized the wealth of political experience and deep understanding of the people's needs that reside within his coalition.

The main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has formed alliances with Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) and Adhaalath Party for the upcoming presidential election.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Noonu Kudafari, President Solih said the leaders of MDP, MDA, and Adhaalath Party possess invaluable insights into the people's concerns. He said he himself had won five parliamentary elections and a presidential election, while his running mate MP Mohamed Aslam and MDA leader, MP Ahmed Siyam, each had both been elected to the parliament four times.

“Aslam, Siyam, and I, we won these elections by going to the people and talking to them and clarifying from them what their needs were,” he said.

Stressing the coalition's commitment to serving the people, the President said the objective of MDP and the party's allies were to serve the people. He pointed out that MP Ahmed Siyam's substantial wealth renders him uninterested in acquiring more assets, such as lagoons and islands, emphasizing his dedication to public service.

The President reaffirmed his governance principles and said he does things based on policies, comprehensive plans, and thorough research. He said a study was conducted before applications were opened for flats in Male' City, which accurately estimated the number of applicants.

The President reiterated his commitment to providing flats to all eligible applicants if he is elected for a second term. He also announced that the land plots under the Binveriyaa Scheme will be allocated to recipients commencing from Tuesday.

Regarding Kudafari, the President said that Kudafari is an island with a strong social spirit and people who have always worked for the development of the island. Every visit to Kudafari leaves him feeling as if he had visited his own hometown, he said.

“It’s been even more fulfilling to be here, to visit this island with Siyam,” the President said.

Making specific pledges for Kudafari, President Solih said if he is re-elected, he will transform the island's health center into a 16-hour service facility, later expanding to 24-hour operation upon the completion of a new building, which is set to begin construction in two weeks. Housing concerns would be addressed through the construction of row houses and offering low-interest loans at six percent with 10 percent equity for those wishing to build homes on their land, he added.

The President also promised to build a science laboratory at Kudafari School, modernize the island's roads, and install an ATM. The Kudafari harbor will be developed such that the island's surfing point is protected. He also announced that the development of the island's powerhouse would be handed over to contractors on August 18.