Qasim Ibrahim, leader of the Jumhooree Party (JP) and Member of Parliament for Maamigili, asserted that the Maldives’ stability rests on adherence to the policies of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. At the inauguration of his party’s campaign for the upcoming local council elections, Qasim urged voters to support candidates from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), contending that consolidating the administration’s authority is the only means of ensuring development and averting political volatility.
In his address, Qasim credited the nation’s resilience to President Muizzu’s leadership and endorsed recently enacted anti-defection legislation intended to stabilise the legislature. He contrasted this with what he described as the failings of previous governments, sharply criticising the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration under former President Mohamed Nasheed for eroding democratic norms and religious values. He also alleged that the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had left the country burdened with USD 8.17 billion in debt, pointing to substantial liabilities within state utilities.
Qasim’s remarks extended to the legal framework, where he noted that civil liberties must be exercised within the boundaries of Islamic principles. He advocated constitutional amendments to restrict defamation and unchecked speech, while urging executive intervention to resolve legislative impasses surrounding the Decentralisation Act.
Closing his speech, Qasim warned that the Maldives’ economic challenges cannot be overcome without full public cooperation. He reiterated his call for a unified vote in favour of government-backed candidates, framing such support as indispensable to safeguarding the nation’s future.