President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has conveyed New Year's greetings to the people of Maldives.
In a message released early on January 1, coinciding with his own birth date, President Solih expressed wishes that the new year would prove as happy and prosperous as 2018.
Describing 2019 as a new year for democracy in Maldives, the president remarked that the past year indicated the heartfelt wish of Maldivians to uphold the independence and rights accorded by the Constitution, referring to his landslide victory in the Presidential Election last September.
He declared that bringing the four leaders of the now ruling coalition, together to form a single common ground, was a blessing from God to the citizens.
Stating that Maldivians had harboured high hopes to eliminate corruption and discord and ensure basic rights and freedom when they used their constitutional powers to change the government, President Solih assured that his administration will continue efforts to realise the expectations of the people.
President Solih also touched upon the Parliamentary Election scheduled for April this year. He highlighted that 2019 would also bring about crucial political changes, with the people's votes shaping the constitutional system.
He urged the people to be well informed before heading out to vote, and expressed confidence that Maldivians everywhere would prioritise the interests of the country.
He ended his statement with a prayer for new hope, happiness, prosperity and unity for Maldives in the year 2019.