President Solih receives 'historic' welcome at Addu City

President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih received a "historic" welcome upon his arrival in Addu City on Wednesday evening, September 6.

Before his arrival, hundreds of supporters had gathered near Gan International Airport, forming a lengthy line to greet President Solih as he seeks re-election this year.

"Even during Nasheed's heyday, I did not see a queue like this," said a supporter who was at the venue to greet president Solih.

It took nearly one and half hours for president Solih to greet all the attendees present to welcome him.

"We are working to re-elect president Solih. We are really pleased with the current administration, they did plenty for Addu City. We want to elect president Solih to ensure the projects continue," a supporter said.

Another supporter highlighted the developmental projects carried out under the current government, including road redevelopment, water and sanitation upgrading, land reclamation, plot allotment, and the First Degree initiative.

Addu City Feydhoo MP Mohamed Nihad said that president Solih had an intimate bond with the people of Addu City, and praised him for the developmental projects carried out under his administration.

Nihad further stated that the people of Addu City do not wish to regress and relive the same fear and intimidation experienced during the previous administration.

Minister of environment, climate change, and technology, Aminath Shauna, who is a local of Addu City, also said that president Solih had unparalleled support from the City. She added that the public was extremely pleased with president Solih and his governance.

She expressed confidence that president Solih will achieve over 60 percent votes.

Former Central-Hithadhoo MP Ibrahim Mohamed Didi expressed his joy with the current government and highlighted the developmental projects that the president had greenlit for the city.

The former MP recalled the poor conditions of the City's islands, especially Hithadhoo, before the current administration. He highlighted the poor conditions of the roads, including the Addu Link Road, and the damages to residences during stormy weather owing to poor water drainage. He said that all those issues were addressed under president Solih's governance.