President Yameen calls on Ari Atoll to leave former ideology, embrace development

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday pledged more development for Alif Alif and Alif Dhaal atolls should he be reelected, and called on their people to leave their former "unwavering" ideology and embrace the progressive outlook brought about by his government.

The president made the proclamation during his visit to Maamigili, Alif Dhaal, which is the home island of Jumhooree Party's convicted founder Qasim Ibrahim. While Qasim had represented Maamigili constituency during his tenure as a lawmaker, he enjoys great popularity amongst the people of Alif Alif and Alif Dhaal atolls, most of whom had voted for his favoured candidates during past elections.