Ibrahim Falah, the leader of People’s National Congress (PNC)’s parliamentary group, called the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) “old and dated” on Friday, as he predicted the ruling party will achieve a sweeping 80% victory in the upcoming Local Council Elections.
Addressing a rally held on Friday night to launch PNC’s campaign in Kulhudhuffushi City, Falah described the MDP as an “old and dated” party that lacks young leaders and policies.
Falah said that the MDP continues to peddle the same old policies it did back in 2008.
These policies no longer sell in the market, he said.
Falah said the MDP receives around MVR 9 million to MVR 10 million in state funding each year, which “two three people in the leadership exhaust by pocketing MVR 150,000 in salaries.”
“I hear the party’s ordinary members applied for the Council Elections by paying MVR 1,500 to the EC [Elections Commission] out of their own pocket,” he said.
PNC launches its council elections campaign in Kulhudhuffushi City on February 6, 2025. (Photo/PNC)
Falah said that the PNC, by contrast, utilizes state funding to open campaign centers and conduct political events for its members.
He said that the PNC is a “cool” party with a strong leader.
Falah said he expects an easy victory for the PNC, with over 80 percent of seats.
Falah noted that the Kulhudhuffushi City is an MDP stronghold, with the party consistently maintaining a majority in the city council.
He said that Kulhudhuffushi has experienced MDP leadership for long enough, and it is now time to test PNC leadership.
“We met the candidates and asked them what they have done so far in their campaign. Each and every one of them came holding a book. I, too, was surprised. When questioned, they all explained the work they have carried out so far, the people they have met. They provided details, gave percentages. I told them they are sure victors, by the Grace of Allah,” he said.
Falah said that PNC candidates will work with dedication if election.
The Local Council Elections is scheduled to take place on April 4. The PNC, which holds a supermajority in the Parliament, has the greatest number of candidates contesting the upcoming election.