Gasim Urges Support for PNC in Council Elections, Citing Debt Repayment Priority

Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Gasim Ibrahim has called on voters to support candidates of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) in the upcoming local council and Women’s Development Committee elections, stating that national debt repayment should be the country’s foremost priority.

Speaking at a campaign launch event last night for JP candidates contesting in ADh. Maamigili and Fenfushi, Gasim said cooperation must be extended to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in order to address the country’s financial challenges.

He stated that the previous administration had left the country facing severe economic strain and that the current government is undertaking significant measures to stabilise the situation. In this context, he said it was necessary to work collectively with the government to ensure effective support.

Gasim added that, in the national interest, votes in the 4 April council elections should be cast for PNC candidates, arguing that backing the ruling party would help maintain stability and safeguard national sovereignty. He also said he saw no benefit in voting for opposition candidates.

The Jumhooree Party has decided not to field candidates in most islands for the upcoming council elections, with the exception of Maamigili and Fenfushi. Instead, the party has chosen to support PNC candidates in other constituencies.

Gasim said the decision was made to avoid contributing to further political instability and to prioritise what he described as the broader national interest.