News Desk
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said the government will treat all islands equally, including those where the PNC did not secure a majority in the recent local council elections. Speaking at a rally in Rasdhoo on Saturday night, he said justice and fairness would guide the government’s approach to public services and development.
At the Rasdhoo rally, attended by Health Minister Geela Ali and Heritage Minister Heena Waleed, President Muizzu said the government would continue to provide services to all citizens regardless of political alignment. “All the leaders of the government will uphold equality. The development of the three islands in this constituency, and the development of the islands where we did not succeed, will move forward,” 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.
President Muizzu also criticised the MDP’s ongoing protests in Malé, noting that several councillors who won seats were at the forefront of the demonstrations. He said the public expected responsible behaviour from those elected to office and urged councillors to act with honesty and fairness from the moment they assume their roles.
“The mindset should be to be honest and trustworthy from the moment you take office. There should be no discrimination between those who voted and those who did not,” he said. “I hope councils will work in friendship and equality.”
Although the PNC won the most seats nationwide, it failed to secure control of any city council and suffered a major defeat in the referendum. President Muizzu said the government would still work closely with all elected representatives and would not withhold development from any island.
He also appealed to candidates elected on the PNC ticket, urging them to serve every resident of their island without discrimination. “Even if you win on the party’s ticket, all citizens must be treated equally,” he said. “Political thinking should not come first.”
The rally in Rasdhoo drew a large crowd from Rasdhoo, Ukulhas and Thoddoo, where the PNC celebrated its victories despite the broader electoral setbacks.