Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim said last night that there is no benefit in electing opposition candidates in the upcoming local council and Women’s Development Committee elections, urging voters instead to support ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) candidates in the interest of the country.
Jumhooree Party has announced it will contest council seats only in Alifu Dhaalu Maamigili and Fenfushi in the 4 April elections. The party has decided not to field candidates in other islands.
Speaking at a campaign launch event for candidates in the two islands last night, Qasim said the party chose to support PNC candidates elsewhere to promote stability and unity.
He alleged that the previous administration had brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy and said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu was taking strong measures to address the situation. Therefore, he said, efforts should be made to support the government.
“Everyone should vote for PNC members to advance the interests and security of the country,” Qasim said.
He argued that electing opposition candidates to councils would not change the composition of the national government.
“For example, if you don’t vote for PNC and vote for opposition candidates, can you remove the president from office? Can you take him out of power? No. So why do something unnecessary?” he said.
According to Qasim, councils would be unable to carry out meaningful work without state budget allocations. He said there was little that could be achieved over the next three years if councils were controlled by parties other than the PNC.
If residents wanted the best outcomes for their islands, they should elect PNC candidates, he added.
Qasim also said the country’s immediate priority was servicing and repaying debt, and that supporting the ruling party in council elections would help that effort.
He called on the public to back President Muizzu in safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring stable governance.
In addition, Qasim said some provisions of the Constitution should be amended to make governance easier. He noted the importance of the government maintaining a parliamentary majority and expressed hope that constitutional changes would be pursued while the opportunity exists.
