Majority does not support early election: President

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that despite talks in the political arena of early elections, majority of Maldivians are not in support of this idea.

The President told reporters at a press conference held at his official residence Muleeaage after he met with several members of the general public today, that the government is open to holding an early election and is ready to facilitate an early election. However, several members of the public that he met today said that an early election “is not necessary”.

“We have been talking about an early election, but most of the people I met today said that an early election is not necessary. However the issue is being discussed by politicians, so if they wish for it, the government will support it. But the general public is not of the same view,” the President said.

After receiving members of the public for about one hour, the President said that people asked of him to remain steadfast and to work towards improvement of the quality of public service.

“The session to meet the public was held following requests by several people. This was arranged because unless it’s done this way, it may take a long time before I get to meet a large number of people like this. Most people are in support of the current government,” the President said.

The main gate of Muleeaage was open to the public from 10:00 to 12:00 today. During this time, civil service employees, cabinet ministers, elderly and children met and talked with the President and his wife Ilham Hussain.

Government spokesperson Abbas Adil Riza said after the function that about 700 people visited the President today, and that the President has received constructive opinions of the general public. He said that similar functions will also be held in the future as much as time allows.

Even though Muleeaage is the official residence of the President, President Waheed continues to live in the same house as when he was Vice President, Hilaaleege.