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Exceeded people's expectations within first term, says President Yameen

Nafaahath Ibrahim
17 September 2018, MVT 15:30
President Abdulla Yameen speaks at MNU presidential debate on September 16, 2018. PHOTO/MIHAARU
Nafaahath Ibrahim
17 September 2018, MVT 15:30

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom declared that he exceeded the expectations of the people during his first term in the presidency, and that was another reason to re-elect him for a second term.

Speaking at the Presidential Debate organized by Maldives National University, President Yameen declared that he will create 663,000 jobs by 2023, thereby exceeding the total Maldivian population.

Although the opposition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) was also invited to the debate, he declined the invitation. According to Maldivian Democratic Party, Ibu declines as all the independent institutions and Public Service Media (PSM) are allegedly under the government's influence.

During the debate, President Yameen declared that he took hold of the reigns of the government in 2013 while the nation was in huge debt. He added that he managed to settle the debt over the years and his policies are backed by international financial authorities.

He stated that the Maldives for the first time borrowed money on a sovereign bond, which shows the strength of the economy. Additionally, he said that receiving a billion-dollar investment from just one foreign party indicated the trust investors have on Maldives.

The president noted that following these accomplishments, what is left is making the judicial system better, such as speeding up pending cases. However, President Yameen added that the situation of the judicial system would not prevent investors from investing in the Maldives.

Talking about social housing, President Yameen stated that he has assured housing for more citizens within his five-year term than in previous administrations.

The president assured that by the time the project is completed, 315,000 people who are above 18 years of age will be provided housing.

While the income per capita previously was at USD 5,000-4,000, President Yameen declared that he has increased it up to USD 10,000 since he took office. If given the chance, President Yameen said that he intends to increase it up to USD 20,000.

"My hope is to provide the best medical care in the region from Dharumavantha Hospital in Maldives. I hope for all the major health centres to have diagnostic facilities similar in standard to the capital. I hope to give employment to all the youth," he said.

Further into the debate, President Yameen declared that the reason people should vote for him is that he is the only "single president" without any influencers. He went on to say that the opposition candidate has to cut shares for many in the coaliton.

President Yameen claimed that since Ibu, who is representing a coalition of many opposition leaders, cannot be a single president, it would be harder to make decisions due to the power pressures he would have to face.

While Ibu declined the debate by MNU, President Yameen has also declined the debate invitation by local news media Raajje TV.

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