Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s presidential candidate President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, stressing he can win Saturday’s election in a single round, has remarked it is Addu City’s residents that will play the most integral role in sealing the win.
President Solih arrived at Addu City after campaigning across whole nation on Wednesday evening. At a mass rally held in the city tonight, President Solih said his campaign tour which started from the northernmost corner of the Maldives, ending at Addu City, had shown him he could win the election through a single round.
He described Addu City as the region that will play the most integral role in the outcome of the presidential election slated for Saturday.
“This major Addu City will seal and stamp the outcome on that day. There is no doubt regarding it,” he added.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih speaks at a campaign rally in Addu City on September 7, 2023. (Photo/MDP)
President Solih cited hard work as Addu City residents’ biggest undertaking in democratic history. In this trajectory, he noted that many individuals who made various sacrifices in the formation of MDP and politics continue to live in Addu City today.
“There are people here that talked to us, in secrecy, by altering their voices. Many people who crossed seas to travel to Male’ on boats after being asked to partake in protests. Many people who have also experienced pepper spray, tear gas and prison cells are also here today,” he said.
He said what is being witnessed today, is the result of the hard work of yesterday.
Speaking further, President Solih said it was his administration that commenced development efforts, equally, across all parts of the nation, while previous administrations had centralized development projects. He referenced the COVID-19 pandemic as the biggest obstruction his administration faced, shortly after these efforts were commenced.
He also said Maldives faced various difficulties due to the war between Ukraine and Russia.
He pointed out that developmental projects, despite these difficulties, had been well underway.
“As we face the election today, we are confident,” he emphasized.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih speaks at a campaign rally in Addu City on September 7, 2023. (Photo/MDP)
Following this, the president announced his pledges for Addu City, if elected for a second term in office. They include;
- Laying asphalt on all roads
- Developing housing units, with 1,000 flats under the first phase
- Facilitating water, sewerage and electricity in reclaimed land in addition to the development of roads
- Developing an industrial zone, which will be specialized for vehicle importers
- Harmonizing the price of STO’s coarse sand and Maldives Gas products to that of Male’ City
- Developing a business incubation centre and a co-working space
- Boosting eco-tourism
- Developing a racing track
- Developing an indoor sports complex
- Upgrading the services provided at Addu Equatorial Hospital and ensuring the availability of the hospital’s services at nearby islands
- Developing a climate research and a marine research center
- Developing outdoor gyms and children’s parks in all constituencies
- Increasing efforts directed toward fishermen
- Improving the services of the university and building a dormitory
President Solih stressed that he has a vision.
He described Saturday’s vote as an opportunity to choose whether to move forward with development or revert to the cruelty of the previous administration.
