President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the presidential candidate representing the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has expressed confidence in achieving an unprecedented victory in the upcoming presidential election.
Speaking at a campaign event in Haa Dhaalu Naavaidhoo on Monday, President Solih, who is seeking re-election, said many factors would contribute towards him securing a significant victory in the election. The President primarily attributed his potential victory to the stark contrast between his government's approach to caring for the people and the treatment of the people by the previous administration from 2013 to 2018.
While indirectly referencing his rival candidate, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the PPM-PNC alliance, President Solih said his rival candidate was promising development and peace for the nation while the same party did not treat the people well during their former administration. The people will no longer fall such promises while the past tells otherwise, he said.
"Do not vote for them at any cost. It is not right to vote[ for them]," he said.
The president spoke about atrocities committed by the previous government and said no Maldivian wants to return to the days of injustice. The memories of these atrocities still remain vivid in the peoples' memories as if it happened yesterday, he said.
The President urged the people to think carefully before casting their vote and said that they should vote against injustice, just as they did in 2018. He underscored the tangible positive changes that have occurred in the Maldives during his five-year tenure and said it is evident to the people there is no alternative but to continue on this path of progress.
Referring to the success of the free degree introduced by the government, the President said the program enables students to save money while pursuing their degrees. Efforts to establish water and sewerage systems in 141 islands are almost at completion, he said.
Speaking about the national ferry system, President Solih said the implementation of the RTL ferry system saves a substantial 87 percent of previous transportation costs between islands. Sharing some of the achievements in the tourism sector, the President said that his government introduced a minimum wage and a 10 percent service charge, ensuring improved pay for resort workers.
Addressing housing concerns in the capital, President Solih noted the allocation of land to residents of Male' City after a 40-year hiatus aimed at alleviating the housing problem. He pledged to continue this effort until every individual in need of land in Male' has been accommodated.
