The PPM-PNC presidential candidate, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has accused the government of copying his presidential pledges.
Previously, the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had alleged that the PPM-PNC was adopting President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's re-election pledges with minor modifications.
Speaking at a campaign rally at K. Thulusdhoo on Wednesday, Muizzu said he had noticed President Solih replicating the promises he had made during his campaign visits to various islands. To illustrate his point, Dr. Muizzu recounted a recent visit to GDh. Thinadhoo, where he had pledged to grant city status to the island if elected. Shortly after, President Solih traveled to Thinadhoo for his campaign and promptly granted it city status.
Muizzu said the main opposition leader, former President Abdullah Yameen's government, had established enough infrastructure to make Thinadhoo a city. Although Thinadhoo does not have the population of 10,000 people required for city status, it has a significant population, he said.
"Within less than two days of my commitment, this administration granted Thinadhoo city status," Muizzu remarked.
Muizzu emphasized that when the PPM-PNC makes promises, they follow through with action, unlike the current government, which he accused of merely changing nameplates.
"..Thinadhoo can be officially referred to as Thinadhoo City. But where is the sincerity if no substantial progress has been made there? Even in this atoll, we observe various initiatives being introduced just 2-3 days before the election. Maldivians cannot be deceived [like this]," he said.
Further illustrating his point, Dr. Muizzu referred to his pledge to waive all outstanding parking fines. He said the current government has waived all the outstanding fees within two weeks of him making the pledge.
