Parliament needs members who will ensure transparency and pressure the government: Sodiq

Former Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe), the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate for the Hithadhoo North constituency, has stated that the People’s Majlis requires members who will ensure transparency and hold the government accountable. Expressing high confidence in his campaign, Sodiq noted that he is optimistic about securing victory in the upcoming by-election.

Speaking on Monday's "Fashaairu" program, Sodiq stated that if elected to represent the North Hithadhoo constituency in Parliament, he would steadfastly advocate for the rights of the people.

However, he stated that if a candidate from the ruling PNC is elected once again, they will remain silent in Parliament regarding the rights of the citizens. He further noted that such a representative would fail to hold the government accountable or raise questions concerning the development of Addu City.

Furthermore, Sodiq criticized the People's National Congress (PNC) for its decision to revoke the primary ticket from former MP Mohamed Sinan, who had initially won the party's nomination for the North Hithadhoo by-election, and instead award it to Ahmed Saeed (Soda), the incumbent councilor for the Moolekede constituency.

He stated that one cannot advocate for the rights of others after having violated the rights of an individual.

They keep claiming that one must go and plead with ministers to get things done. However, a person elected to the People’s Majlis should not have to resort to begging. If I am elected, my voice will be heard, and I will advocate fiercely for the people. As for my opponent, it is well known that he has faced defeat in three consecutive elections. He lost his first parliamentary bid, and he was defeated again while running on the PNC ticket in the last local council elections. Most recently, he suffered a significant loss in the PNC primary. Despite being decisively rejected by the voters, he was handed the ticket—an act that many in our community describe as a theft of the candidacy from Sinan, who had worked incredibly hard to win that primary. I find it impossible to believe that someone who has usurped another person's rightful win could ever truly advocate for or protect the rights of the general public.

Former Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe)

Expressing high confidence in winning the election, Sodiq stated that he would prioritize the development of Addu City and pledged to work in cooperation with the government.

The seat for this constituency became vacant following a Supreme Court ruling that the incumbent member, Mohamed Sinan, no longer met the constitutional requirements for office. The court disqualified him due to an outstanding proven debt that remained unpaid.

Voting for the election, scheduled for June 6, will take place from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.