Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) proclaimed that the greatest support they have received during the ongoing presidential campaign tour was from Jumhooree Party founder Qasim Ibrahim's island of Maamigili, Alifs Dhaal Atoll.
PPM's parliamentary group leader MP Ahmed Nihan made the claim after President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom visited the atolls of Alifu Alifu and Alifu Dhaalu for campaign trips.
Nihan declared that many people are joining PPM after witnessing the developments brought about by President Yameen. He added that they have received an 80 percent progress from an island that has been reputed for its loyalty towards Qasim.
He went on to say that although Qasim's team claims that they have control over Maamigili, the development brought by the current government in the last five years has been accepted by the people.
President Yameen had called on the citizens of Maamigili to leave their former ideology and progress with developmental thinking.
Alifu Dhaalu and Alifu Alifu atolls are areas well known for their support and loyalty to Qasim Ibrahim, as attested to by previous elections.
Nihan also revealed that PPM will hold a mass gathering on September 7, where key aspects of their manifesto will be revealed.