If referendum succeeds, situation will deteriorate to the point where citizens are forced to beg at Mulee'aage: Azim

Male' City Mayor Adam Azim has stated that if the government succeeds in the upcoming referendum, they will drive the country to a state where citizens are forced to beg at the presidential residence, Mulee'aage, for their basic needs.

Azim made these remarks while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the "Heyvalla Thayyaaru" campaign center for the South Henveiru constituency.

Speaking at the ceremony, Azim stated that while he has visited numerous households in Male' and met with many residents, he has yet to encounter a single person who intends to vote "yes" in the upcoming referendum. However, he noted that the government is expected to exert significant influence in the three days remaining before the vote. Azim highlighted that the government is employing temporary measures, such as offering discounts and waiving outstanding payments. He urged the public not to trade their future for such short-term gains.

Azim stated that waiving two months or even two years of rent, or providing a plane ticket for medical treatment in India, does not define a good government or a capable leader. He emphasized that a true government is one that empowers its citizens to live dignified, self-sufficient lives without having to beg for assistance. Azim further noted that the MDP’s efforts have consistently focused on establishing policies that ensure citizens no longer have to plead for access to healthcare or higher education.

Next, they will open an office at Mulee'aage. Once opened, they will claim that anyone who visits will receive $250 for a ticket. That is their objective. They want the people to have to go to them. That is the system they are trying to introduce now. It is an attempt to force the public to seek them out, rather than them serving the public. Therefore, I am telling you that this is the power you hold—to use your vote to defeat governments when they act wrongly and to declare that they are in error. This is a significant power. Do not surrender this formidable power you hold through your vote. Whatever you do, do not let that happen.

Mayor of Male' City, Adam Azim

Furthermore, Azim stated that the right to vote is a power the people secured through immense effort, noting that the MDP worked tirelessly to establish this right within the Constitution. He highlighted that authoritarian leaders always seek to strip away this power, leaving citizens marginalized and reduced to a state of begging.

Azim urged all citizens to come out and vote "no" in the referendum scheduled for April 4. Furthermore, the Mayor of Male' City expressed confidence in securing a decisive victory in the election, assuring the public that he would alleviate the hardships currently facing the people.