Trust will decide this presidential election: Yameen

Presidential candidate for the Progressive Party of Maldives Abdulla Yameen has said that the September 7th presidential elections will be determined the people's trust in the candidates.

Speaking at a rally by PPM and its coalition partner the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) in Artificial Beach last night, Yameen said that the only difference between the 2008 presidential election and this year’s election is the year in which they are held.

“Do we see political leaders that we didn’t see then (in 2008)? Do we see political leaders who have not had the chance to serve? They have all had the opportunity to serve the Maldivian people. How steady were they, how loyal were they, with their chance to serve? Maldivians have to ask themselves today. The only difference is that this is a different year. The difference is that, that was eight (2008) and this is thirteen (2013),” Yameen said.

Yameen said that the political players in this year’s presidential election are the same as 2008 and that the people's confidence in their candidates is the factor that will determine the winner.

“This presidential election will turn depending on trust. Which political leader should the people trust? What should the people consider in giving that trust?” Yameen said.

He said that all presidential candidates, except himself, have stood on political platforms and made pledges, and that some have had their opportunity to fulfill those pledges during their time in office.

Highlighting PPM’s recent coalition with MDA, Yameen said MDA Leader Ahmed Siyam is very close to him and that he does not believe that the coalition was a coincidence.

Some well-known sports celebrities joined PPM during last night’s rally, including former national football team striker and currently the Secretary General of New Radiant Sports Club Ahmed Thoriq (Tom). Famous rap singer S.E. also joined the party last night.