President Solih: Vote for MDP candidates to uphold decentralization and develop islands
Emphasizing that decentralization is a core policy of the MDP, former President Solih stated that the current administration is systematically stripping councils of their powers. He further noted that the government has halted numerous development projects initiated by the MDP across various islands, asserting that electing MDP candidates is essential to ensuring continued progress and development for local communities.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih | Munshid | Munshid
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that voting for MDP candidates is essential to upholding the decentralization system and ensuring the development of the islands.
Speaking at the "Heyvalla Thayyaaru, Noo Bahaarakah Sh. Foakaidhoo" rally held in Sh. Foakaidhoo, Former President Solih stated that his administration is committed to implementing the decentralization system as mandated by the Constitution. He emphasized that the core principle of decentralization is that islands should be governed by representatives elected by their own residents, noting that this has been a fundamental policy of the MDP since its inception. Former President Solih further remarked that the Maldives has historically operated under a Male’-centric economy, asserting that national development cannot be achieved without shifting away from this model. He highlighted that the initial efforts to transform this system began in 2008 during the first MDP administration.
Former President Solih stated that the progress initiated by the MDP was halted when its first administration was toppled in a 2012 coup. He noted that the subsequent PPM administration actively worked against the decentralization system. According to President Solih, the current PNC government is also enforcing policies opposed to decentralization. He highlighted that the government has moved to dissolve atoll councils and restrict their powers, asserting that this fundamental approach to governance marks the key difference between the MDP and the PNC.
This can only be achieved by electing a government that understands policy, and that is the MDP. This system is entirely foreign to the PNC. If the PNC takes control, we are already beginning to see how the condition of our islands will deteriorate. They are only capable of executing what Muizzu dictates. Over the past two years, their only achievement has been the demolition of the Friday Mosque and turning the site into a cemetery. Therefore, to reject this administration, we must elect the MDP.Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Former President Solih stated that the previous MDP administration focused on making inhabited islands more livable and creating opportunities for economic activity to flourish. However, he noted that while the current government has made grand promises over the past two years, projects often stall; even when foundation stones are laid, they seem to vanish within four months.
Former President Solih stated that the establishment of transport networks to link islands and the completion of water and sewerage projects were essential steps in building local economies. He noted that these initiatives represented the MDP’s efforts to kickstart economic activity across the islands. However, he remarked that the current administration has failed to undertake any such developmental work in the islands.
