Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has criticized the parliament's majority, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), stating that the party's attempts to impede consent to the cabinet have tarnished the reputation of the legislative body.
The VP made these remarks during the rally held last evening as part of the ongoing campaign efforts of Azima Shakoor, who is running for Malé City Mayor.
The mayoral election is scheduled for January 14, 2024, according to the Elections Commission (EC).
Although President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu submitted his cabinet for parliamentary approval during the first week since his inauguration, the parliament went into a two-month recess by the final week of December without addressing the matter.
The issue was delayed, citing multiple reasons. This marks the first time the approval of the cabinet has been postponed for such an extended period.
While MDP holds the majority in the parliament, its MPs have officially stated that they are not opposed to giving consent to the current administration's cabinet. MDP parliamentary group members have also expressed their willingness to participate in an extraordinary sitting outside of the parliamentary session for this matter. Last week, the party launched efforts to acquire the necessary number of MP signatures for the extraordinary session.
At Tuesday evening's People's National Congress (PNC) campaign rally for its mayoral candidate, the Vice President criticized MDP and highlighted that the parliament had always given consent to the cabinets of all the preceding administrations without delays.
"They [MDP] have tarnished the reputation of the parliament in front of the public, making their way into history for doing so," the Vice President said.
VP Hussain, who was the Faresmaathoda MP until his election as the Vice President, said that the developmental targets of the PPM/PNC coalition would be impeded if the opportunity is extended to those with regressive attitudes.
"I am certain that the people of Malé City would not allow this to happen [give the mayoral position to MDP], and I do not doubt that when President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has come out with his endorsement for a mayoral candidate, you would pledge your allegiance to him on it," Vice President said.
He further promised that the President's pledge of affordable housing for all would be realized if the people remain behind the current administration.
He also highlighted that the contenders for the mayoral position agree with the developmental vision of President Muizzu, and though they have brought forth arguments on behalf of the political ideals they believe in, those are not visibly put into action. He cautioned against believing the claims made by the parties which have a history of acting against their promises in the past and now.
The VP also cautioned that choosing an opposition candidate for mayorship simply based on their claims would have a regressive impact on the President's vision for the country, especially concerning the current government's vision for housing.
The Vice President added that the large-scale housing initiatives launched in the Greater Malé region may face interruptions if the public elects an opposition candidate.
"We need to agree that it is crucial to elect a candidate aligned with the developmental vision of President Muizzu, to ensure said initiatives proceed accordingly. It is imperative that the mayoral candidate should share the vision of the President," Vice President added.
He also assured that President Muizzu would work towards realizing the pledges he made to the people during the presidential election.
He promised that the issuance of land plots or housing units to the eligible recipients of the housing schemes launched by the previous government would commence in the upcoming week, as promised by the President.
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