Despite being a presidential candidate myself, I will vote for someone who can ensure development: Gasim

Leader and Presidential Candidate of Jumhooree Party (JP) Gasim Ibrahim has said that in the upcoming presidential election, he would vote for someone who would work for and ensure development for the country.

Gasim said this while speaking to the media near the official jetty upon his arrival in Male’ after a trip to three northern atolls.

“What we want, always, is progress for the country, development for the country. We don't need to know who the president is. We want to ensure peace and development for the country. So we are here because we don’t see this happening. I would vote for someone who can do this. There’s no point in talking about coalitions. Despite being a presidential candidate myself, I would vote for someone who can do that,” he said.

Gasim said that he had visited more than 130 islands in the Maldives, and as a result of this, he understands that the living conditions in the Maldives are poor, and the people are deprived of their basic needs.

He noted that the health services in some islands are poor, and several islands are in need of proper sewerage systems.

Gasim said that the Maldives has gone bankrupt, and that new ways must be found to earn income for the country.

He said that the current expenditure of the government must be reduced, and a system must be established to ensure that the income earned by the State is sufficient to run the State.

Gasim said that a few supporters of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) tried to obstruct him and his campaign team during this trip.

He said that no party should obstruct the campaign activities of other parties, and no one should prioritise party interests over national interests.

He said that a JP government would function within the limits of the law, and assured that the people would see progress and their desired ‘big picture’.

“I believe that we can bring about change and bring about development. This can be done if we have the courage, and act within the limits of the law. We can draw the big picture. By acting within the limits of the law we can draw all pictures. God willing, we will do that,” he said.

Gasim said that the transport systems established in different regions of the Maldives have failed, and in order to establish a good transport system, the projects must be handed over to the atoll and island councils.

He also called on the government to terminate the agreements with groups that have been commissioned to provide transport services, as they have failed in their responsibilities.

Gasim said that support for him and his policies had increased as a result of this trip, and that the manifesto of JP would be one that makes people’s hopes a reality.