News Desk
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu criticised the conduct of several newly elected MDP councillors in Malé, saying the public expects dignity and responsible behaviour from those chosen to represent them. Speaking at a PNC rally in Rasdhoo on Saturday night, held to celebrate the victories of the party’s candidates in Rasdhoo, Ukulhas and Thoddoo, he said some councillors had begun using vulgar language and disturbing the peace during nightly demonstrations.
“People want to see good manners in those who come to positions elected by the people. Unfortunately, some are not seeing that,” he said. He added that elected officials must uphold standards that reflect respect for the community and remain within religious and legal boundaries. “Before even taking office, some candidates are using vulgar language on the streets and engaging in acts outside moral standards. People vote for representatives to take responsibility from the moment they assume office and to be role models.”
President Muizzu said the Malé City Council was already showing signs that it would not cooperate with the government. If councils obstruct development without valid reasons, he said the administration would explain the situation directly to the public. “If councils do not cooperate without good reason, I will explain it in detail to the people,” he said.
The President said the government would continue fulfilling its promises to citizens regardless of political differences. He said he would put religion and the national interest first in all decisions and thanked voters for supporting what he described as the PNC’s platform of religious and national values. He said the results of the local council and Women’s Development Committee elections showed that many people were thinking in terms of protecting the country’s sovereignty and its Islamic identity.
President Muizzu also addressed the failure of the recent referendum on holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day. He said the PNC campaign teams had not done enough to explain the proposal, even though he believed the issue was clear. He said he fully respected the public’s decision. More than 68 percent of voters rejected the proposal, with 148,859 voting against and 67,680 voting in favour.
The President said the referendum result reflected shortcomings in the party’s campaign effort. He said the PNC had failed to communicate the benefits of holding both elections on the same day, allowing what he described as misinformation from the opposition to reach voters. “There was clear benefit. There was no harm. But we did not make the effort to explain it properly to the people. Our campaign teams did not do the job right,” he said.
President Muizzu said the government would continue to serve all islands equally, including those where the PNC did not win. He said development would not be withheld for political reasons and that the administration would work with all councils to deliver services. “There should be no discrimination between those who voted and those who did not. The government will give full cooperation to all islands equally,” he said.
He added that if any council or women’s development committee obstructed development work, the government would inform the public and explain the challenges at its weekly press briefings. “The government will continue to provide services even if a council obstructs them,” he said.
The President noted that the PNC leadership had approved holding the party’s congress in October. He urged members to elect capable individuals to strengthen the party ahead of future political cycles.
