Voting for candidates under the wing of a predatory bird will bring no benefit to the citizens: Shathir

Shathir Abdul Rahman, the MDP National Congress President for the Kudahuvadhoo constituency, has stated that there is no benefit to the public in voting for candidates under the wing of a "predatory bird." He urged the people to resoundingly reject all such candidates in the upcoming local council elections.

Speaking at an MDP rally held on Sunday evening, Shathir characterized the proposed referendum to synchronize presidential and parliamentary elections as a major deception, urging all citizens to reject it. He further alleged that the move is a calculated maneuver designed to extend President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s term in office.

Referring to the PNC members as "birds," Shathir stated that in 2024, the public turned out to vote for 87 of these birds, yet the people have now witnessed their true condition within the People's Majlis. He remarked that not a single bird is able to lift a wing, describing them as being present in Parliament with their wings, beaks, and feet firmly bound.

He emphasized that citizens must consider the consequences of electing such individuals to local councils once again. Furthermore, he stated that the Maldivian people stand to gain nothing by voting for candidates who remain under the shadow and influence of a "frigatebird."

These are not birds that can speak for themselves. These are not birds that can take flight. These are not birds that can soar in any direction they choose. Instead, we have birds that only dare to say what they are told to say from within the presidential palace. These are not the kind of birds the people wish to elect. They are fed, kept in a presidential cage for a set term, and they simply exist on whatever they are given. You can see this clearly in the People’s Majlis right now. What is the song these birds are singing in the parliament? Do they take flight? Do they even flap their wings? No, they just sit and watch. They are bound. All these birds are controlled by a single frigatebird. Now, they have come out once again, trying to lure people into the trap of that frigatebird, asking you to vote for these birds. No, you must not vote for them. These birds are under the thumb of a predator. You already know what will happen if you cast your vote for birds that are subservient to a frigatebird.

Shathir Abdul Rahman, the President of the MDP National Congress' Kudahuvadhoo constituency.

Furthermore, Shathir stated that the current administration has introduced a culture of vote-buying during elections, marking the third consecutive year that state funds are being utilized for this purpose. He asserted that it is up to the citizens to put an end to the misuse of tax revenue, which is being distributed in connection with elections. He further emphasized that the public should not become enslaved to money.