PNC Predicts Landslide Victory in Upcoming Local Council Elections

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) is confident it will secure more than 80 per cent of seats in the upcoming local council elections, according to Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah.

Speaking at a campaign launch in Kulhudhuffushi City last night evening, Falah said cooperation from local councils was essential for completing development projects initiated by the current administration, led by Mohamed Muizzu. He described President Muizzu as a leader who fulfils his commitments to the public.

Falah, who is also serving as the PNC’s campaign manager for the local elections scheduled for 4 April, said the vote would be decisive for the country’s future development. He told supporters that the outcome would determine whether communities chose progress for their children, islands and cities, or whether development would continue at its current pace.

He further said Dr Muizzu administration would usher in a “development era” unprecedented in the Maldives’ history, adding that the President’s annual policy statement delivered last Thursday outlined a comprehensive and detailed plan for national development.

“The president explained everything, every project and every sector in detail so that every citizen could understand,” Falah said.

Referring to local politics in Kulhudhuffushi, Falah noted that since the implementation of the 2008 Constitution, the city council has largely been controlled by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). He said this is time for a change and urged voters to give the PNC an opportunity to govern the council.

“Let us take this PNC team to the council and test it,” he said, expressing confidence that, with public support, the council would work closely with the current government to complete development projects in the city.

The event was also addressed by Ahmed Shiyam, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, who spoke about the country’s economic situation. He said President Muizzu assumed office at a time of financial fragility, with significant pressure to enter an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

According to Shiyam, joining an IMF programme would have constrained the government’s ability to pursue development projects. Instead, he said, the President opted to stabilise the economy through a nationally driven plan.

Highlighting fiscal performance, Shiyam said the budget deficit stood at MVR 14 billion at the end of the previous MDP-led government, but had since been reduced to MVR 3.5 billion. He also welcomed the President’s announcement that foreign reserves had reached USD 1.13 billion, describing it as a major relief.

Several other senior government officials also addressed the campaign launch in Kulhudhuffushi City.