Special Advisor to the President and ruling-party ticket-holder for Laamu Fonadhoo constituency Abdul Raheem Abdulla has stated that some 20 candidates contesting in the Majlis Elections this month are not befitting of election into the People's Majlis.
Abdul Raheem, who is also the chairman of People's National Congress (PNC) made the remarks while speaking at the launching of his campaign office, adding that if they did not learn lessons from the past in moving forward, they would not be able to achieve the desired future. He stated that the elections on 21 April were a golden opportunity for the people, and requested that it was not put to waste.
Recalling how the ruling coalition had, while in opposition, raised concerns about suspicious agreements and the depletion of state reserves to deaf ears of some MPs, Abdul Raheem appealed for people to consider what might happen if they were to elect MPs who were not brave enough to raise their voice for the people once again.
Abdul Raheem went on to express his belief that there were some 20 candidates contesting for the 20th People's Majlis were not befitting of election at all. His comments were directed at the members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
In his speech, Abdul Raheem stated that PNC had come to power with the aim of building a country for the Maldivian people as the previous government had betrayed the country by acting outside its financial interests. Speaking to an audience with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and other government officials in attendance, Abdul Raheem said Maldives would not have reached this point had the members who were in parliament at the time been honest.
Highlighting what he said is the most important thing needed to build a country of the people, Abdul Raheem stated that ensuring security was essential to achieving a happy future.
PNC has been able to field 87 candidates in 90 constituencies for the upcoming Majlis Elections. Seats in the only three constituencies not contested by the ruling party are being pursued by Maldives National Party (MNP) leader Col. Rtd. Mohamed Nazim, Maldivian Democratic Alliance (MDA) leader Ahmed Siam and Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Gasim Ibrahim.
"President Dr Muizzu came out with a vision, to envision it in real color. He wants to serve with compassion and establish the peace that people want. PNC candidates will not do anything to hinder this government," said Abdul Raheem.
The Special Advisor to the President also stated that since the start of democracy in the country, Maldives had become lost due to political conflict and personal arguments. He added that this was not a country of political leaders, and that the way must be made for further development by giving PNC a clear majority in the elections for the 20th People's Majlis.
Abdul Raheem went on to assure President Dr Muizzu that he will remain steadfast with the government to maintain it inside and outside the parliament.
"We don't care about an individual citizen," said Abul Raheem. "We don't care about any one specific person. We care about the country, the Maldivian people, our sovereignty and freedom, peace, security and development. President Dr. Muizzu remains steadfast in achieving this for us."
Sharing his philosophies with the President and supporters, Abdul Raheem stated that politicians would always come and go, and that it would be a big mistake to think the same people would remain in power under these conditions.
"It is the law of nature," said Abdul Raheem. "As the sun rises and sets, the days will repeat themselves. Changes will come. The best way for us is to accept the changes. If you think that people other than you know nothing, your own ignorance has reached new heights."
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