President: Elect candidates who see beyond party lines, prioritize national development

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has urged voters to elect parliamentary candidates to who prioritize the national development, and that of their constituencies, over the interests of their family or political party.

He made the appeal while addressing a gathering in Sh. Kanditheemu on Tuesday – as part of his ongoing tour of northern Maldives.

Speaking at the gathering, President Muizzu said that it is crucial that the Parliament supports the government in implementing its initiatives.

He said that it is up to the people to elect such a Parliament.

He appealed to voters to think hard before casting their ballot in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

“Think hard and elect parliamentary representatives to facilitate these important works,” he said.

President Muizzu said that in the developed world, parliamentarians, even those who belong to opposition parties, support the government when it comes to developmental initiatives.

He said that it was a different scene in the Maldives, adding that the country was “nowhere close” to having such a system.

“The Maldives is nowhere close to this. Everything is too political. The party line… And especially the current opposition party, its sticking strictly to the party line in matters. Not development, not initiatives in the best interest of this country,” he said.

President Muizzu said that he had experienced it well, within the three months he has been in office.

He said that voters must therefore elect parliamentary candidates who prioritize the development of the country and their constituencies, over their familial or party interests.

President Muizzu has been appealing to voters to elect pro-government lawmakers throughout his current tour – which comes mere weeks ahead of the parliamentary elections – scheduled for March 17.