Ilyas Pledges to Allocate 30% of Cabinet and Gov’t Positions to Youth

Ilyas Labeeb, The Democrats’ presidential candidate, has committed to ensuring that at least 30 percent of all government positions, including the cabinet, will be allocated to young individuals.

Ilyas, who has consistently championed youth-centric policies, emphasised the current challenges faced by young people, describing them as being ensnared in a cycle of job dependency. 

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During a presidential debate, he remarked, “Our youth are caught in a web of job dependency, which affects not only them but also their families and parents.” 

He further articulated that a Democratic administration would work towards ending this situation.

Underpinning Ilyas’s pledge is the Democrats’ commitment to providing financial and technical support to individuals with innovative business proposals. 

He asserted, “Even if you lack capital or assets to pledge as collateral, we will expedite the process within 15 days of receiving your proposal,” highlighting the party’s business-friendly approach.

This policy entails a range of incentives, including tax deductions for infrastructure development in light manufacturing and value addition, as well as subsidies for equipment, machinery, and consumables. 

Additionally, the plan envisages the integration of international payment gateways like PayPal and the extension of loan eligibility and pension benefits to groups such as freelancers and fishermen.

Ilyas addressed the issue of stagnant individual income, stating, “The current trend shows that people’s income is not increasing. It is imperative that we address this and aim to quintuple individual incomes. We are committed to implementing measures that will facilitate this increase.”

Ilyas also acknowledged the growing national debt of the Maldives, predicting significant debt obligations by 2026. However, he reassured the public, stating, “while the current government may lack direction, it does possess the capability to manage and restructure our debts, potentially extending the grace period.”