President: Elections are won through vote, not violence

Presidential elections are won through vote results, and not through disturbances created to disrupt campaigns, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

He made the remark after the MDP party center in GDh. Madaveli – which was prepped to host his campaign rally – was torched on Tuesday, ahead of his arrival.

Addressing the rally, President Solih described the scenes of destruction he witnessed from Madaveli as “regrettable.”

He said that such incidents must not take place in a competitive election campaign.

He said that such incidents only ensure the victory of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) coalition, adding that such attacks are designed to divert the focus of the campaign.

Our rivals see us winning the election, and want to prevent it, he said.

President Solih said that neither his administration, nor his party, condones such attacks.

He also urged his supporters against engaging in acts of retaliation.

“You just focus on winning the election,” he said.

President Solih made several pledges to the people of Madaveli, including reclaiming land to build housing, opening an ice plant, and joining Madaveli with Haadhoo.