Whoever wins PPM primary will take oath as president this year: Gayoom

President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that whoever wins the primary election of the party will take oath as president of Maldives on 11 November 2013.

While speaking at a function held at Artificial Beach by PPM on the occasion of International Women’s Day last night, Gayoom said that the new government formed by the person who wins the election will ensure development and progress for the Maldivian people. He said that more efforts will be made than what is being done now, to empower women.

“God willing, whoever wins the PPM primary election will take oath as president of Maldives on 11 November 2013. We will support him. And God willing, much more efforts will be made by the new government for the progress and empowerment of women,” he said.

Gayoom focused most of his speech on women, as yesterday was the International Women’s Day and also thirty years since this day was first marked in the Maldives.

He said that men and women should have equal opportunities in all sectors, including education, career and in the political scene. He said that Islam does not discriminate between the two genders in those areas.

Gayoom addressed PPM primary candidates Umar Naseer and Abdullah Yameen who also attended last night’s function, and asked them to ensure that the primary is conducted smoothly and justly. He said that PPM had shown the world a good example of democracy.

The function had to be paused twice due to heavy rain. However as the rain continued, it had to be concluded abruptly with pending items on the agenda.