Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said Fuvahmulah City demonstrates the benefits of devolving powers to local councils, and this makes it easier to make a choice ahead of Saturday’s local council elections.
Speaking at a campaign event held in Fuvahmulah City last night, Solih said the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has consistently believed that the country can be effectively governed and developed through decentralization.
He said the party has a track record of delivering on its promises, both during its previous administrations.
Solih added that Fuvahmulah had already made its decision in the upcoming elections, pointing to visible development outcomes on the island.
“The results of devolving powers can be clearly seen in Fuvahmulah,” he said.
He questioned the role of the central government in developing tourism on the island, crediting instead the efforts of the city council, led by the mayor, and local residents.
“Today, through their efforts, Fuvahmulah has become a globally recognized destination for tiger shark tourism,” he said.
Solih noted that the city now has more than 400 tourist beds and recorded over 8,000 tourist arrivals last year.
“This year, that number has increased by 40 percent. This is what happens when powers are devolved and local communities take the lead,” he said.
