Yameen vows to share government with coalition partners

Presidential candidate for the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Abdulla Yameen has said that he is willing to share the government with his coalition partners, if they win the presidential election.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Alimas Carnival on Tuesday night, Yameen said the parties that have gathered behind him are led by sincere leaders with no ulterior motives, who’s sole intent is to safeguard the interests of the country and to protect the religion.

“Very earnest and sincere, they came to safeguard the country, to protect the religion of Allah. They joined us to ensure that Maldives prevails in the faith of Islam. They have no material wants. They did not ask for a share of the government,” Yameen said.

Yameen said that “we are a generous people” and that PPM will share the government with all that have come behind the party, when they win the presidential election. The second round of the presidential election is scheduled for 16 November.

Speaking of the leader of Jumhoory Party, who lost the first round of the presidential election by achieving third with 23 percent, and currently the only party to endorse a candidate, Yameen said Gasim is “the most knowledgeable political personality” in the country and that it would bring them great joy if Gasim joins the PPM coalition.

Turning to his rival for the upcoming election, Yameen said the government debt had increased dramatically when former president Mohamed Nasheed left the government. Two years laters, Yameen said, the State is still struggling with a deficit of MVR 35 billion, equivalent to MVR 180,000 per capita.

He affirmed that the atolls can see proper development if he can establish a transshipment harbour, a passenger terminal, oil extraction projects and economic hubs in four different location in the country, as he had laid out in PPM’s manifesto for the next five years.

“If our larger projects are successful, out current GDP of $6500 per capita will increase, by the end of the 5 year term, to $12,000 per capita,” Yameen said.