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Concerns eased says Yamin, encourages Ibu's campaign

Fathmath Shaahunaz
02 July 2018, MVT 16:24
President Abdulla Yameen visits Sh. Bileffahi. PHOTO/PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
Fathmath Shaahunaz
02 July 2018, MVT 16:24

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s decision to nominate the party's parliamentary group leader Ibrahim "Ibu" Mohamed Solih as its presidential candidate, has resolved all the complications and anxiety surrounding its earlier efforts to give the presidential election to a "certain individual", declared President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom on Monday.

He made the remark at the ceremony held to mark the completion of Shaviyani Atoll Bileffahi's beach protection project.

The president was referring to convicted former President Mohamed Nasheed, who had won MDP's presidential primary last May. However, Nasheed recently renounced his candidacy, as his ongoing conviction to 13 years in jail barred him from running in the election. Subsequently, MDP's congress last Saturday approved to give its presidential ticket to Hinnavaru MP Ibu instead.

The opposition alliance has also agreed on Ibu as their common candidate to beat President Yameen in the election slated for September 23.

Speaking at the ceremony in Bileffahi, Yameen expressed gladness over Ibu's candidacy, proclaiming that MDP's decision would bring harmony not only to the main opposition but the nation as well.

"I hope that this resolution would also further advance the peace and interests of the country. I congratulate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and I call on the members of MDP to campaign peacefully to win the trust of the people without causing them further inconvenience."

Noting that he was the presidential candidate of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Yameen further urged both political parties to refrain from causing trouble or damage to the public with campaign activities, the consequences of which would entail several more years and efforts wasted to overcome them.

President Yameen went on to say that the country had been in disarray when he first assumed office in 2013. However, with the endeavours of his administration, the country was now at a stage of development and peace, he said as he encouraged peaceful campaigns that would make way for more national progress.

"And so, with MDP's presidential candidate, I hope that our work would lead to another peaceful five years for the Maldives, which would ensure prosperity and greater development for this nation."

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