Pres Solih tells PPM not to discard their supporters

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged the main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) not to bow out of the presidential race and put their supporters “out in the street.”

President Solih made the comment during a campaign rally in Dh. Meedhoo on Monday – his first with his running mate, the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s top lawmaker, Mohamed Aslam.

Addressing the rally, the president said the PPM-PNC delaying the confirmation of a presidential candidate until the last minute and attempting to boycott the election is a loss to the country.

He said that a competitive election requires representation of all political parties.

He said that political parties must not revolve around a specific figure.

The president said that MDP had faced a similar situation in the lead up to the 2018 election, and the party had achieved victory by putting the interests of the party before that of a specific individual.

‘Do not render your supporters out on the street. That is a great grievance,” he said.

The president repeated his offer for PPM to join him.

Speaking further, the president expressed high hopes of a major victory in Meedhoo – which is represented in the parliament by Ahmed Siyam Mohamed – the leader of Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) – which is backing his re-election.

The president said that if re-elected for a second term, he will:

• Introduce ATM services in Meedhoo
• Develop the main roads
• Construct rowhouses
• Improve the health center
• Build a football field and a volleyball court