Navvar contends for Holhudhoo to lead youth advocacy

Despite not being directly involved, Navvar Ibrahim was exposed to the Maldives' political arena since childhood.

Both his maternal and paternal grandfathers had been former MPs representing Noonu atoll in the parliament. Later, the constituency was redistributed with Holhudhoo constituency comprising the island along with Miladhoo and Magoodhoo. Navvar's uncle had later represented the constituency in the parliament.

Owing to the exposure and experience he has received and continues to receive in the political field, Navvar, at just 25 years of age, is running for the Holhudhoo constituency in the upcoming parliamentary election to raise and represent the voice of his constituency's youth.

According to Navvar, the youth opts out from contending for the parliamentary seat to avoid the risk of failing after spending significant amounts of money and time on campaigning.

Navvar said his decision to contend in the parliamentary elections slated for early 2024, is to prove that the field has ample opportunities for the local youth who are willing to take up the challenge.

"If you want change, then you need to be involved in it. So, you are required to start off from somewhere, whether it is the council or the parliament. Just make use of the opportunities to move forward," Navvar, who holds a first degree in Business Analysis from New Zealand's University of Waikato, said.

According to him, all of his efforts are aimed towards realizing sustainable development. He further said that this prioritization towards sustainability was a trait long imbibed in him.

He promised to follow this principle if elected for the parliament to represent his constituency.

"I have learned several valuable lessons from my family, about how the parliament should proceed and the measures that can be taken to improve its functioning. A lot research has been conducted over the years about how the parliament functions and how it proceeds during periods of unrest. So, I am moving forward with all of these experiences," Navvar added.

Majority of Holhudhoo constituency is comprised of youth, which is one key reason according to Navvar, for his decision to contend in the election; to represent the large demographic of youth in his constituency.

An active student during his academic years, Navvar had been a former treasurer of the Dhi Youth Movement on his island. He was also a young prodigy in swimming and basketball.

After completing his tertiary education, Navvar went on to found Trimex International; a local construction firm and is the current Business Development Manager of NPH Developments; a major developer of apartments in Hulhumalé.