The coalition government’s primary Maldivian Democratic Party leader (MDP), Mohamed Nasheed, has launched the campaign for Ahmed Saleem, the candidate contesting through the party for the Hoarafushi constituency.

Speaking at an event for this held in Hoarafushi, Nasheed expressed his belief that the new parliament will have a majority for MDP, and will be ‘one with integrity’.

Nasheed, a former Maldivian president and a candidate for the upcoming parliamentary election, primarily spoke of ‘casting out’ wealthy businessmen from the People’s Majlis.

In this regard, the former president said that parliamentarians will soon be required to declare their assets and financial records, adding that ‘there will no longer be MPs who speak publicly about carrying around bags full of cash’.

This maybe a reference to MP Mohamed Ismail, the current incumbent for the constituency, who was questioned by the local corruption watchdog after he confessed to distributing funds embezzled to the state to other parliamentarians on behalf of the former government.

In his address, Nasheed further spoke about increasing job opportunities in the island and improving inter-atoll transport in the Maldives.

MDP candidate Ahmed Saleem first of the history of his constituents, describing their ancestors as having lived a comfortable life for generations through being pioneers of local craft and trade.

Saleem further said that ‘every government’ has failed to do enough for the development of the constituency, adding that migration out of their islands is proof of this. Saleem said that true development is only accomplished when adequate job opportunities are produced on people’s native islands, and adequate tertiary service are made available there.

The Hoarafushi constituency comprises of Hoarafushi, Uligamu, and Thuraakunu islands in the northern Haa Alif Atoll.

Fellow candidates for the atoll, Abdulla Waheed for Dhidhoo constituency, Mohamed Shifau for Ihavandhoo constituency, Ahmed Abdulla for the Baarah constituency, and Ibrahim Shareef for the Kelaa constituency, participated in Thursday night’s event.