MDP neglects city council duties: Maumoon

Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has neglected to carry out the duties of Male’ City Council, of which the party holds a majority.

Maumoon made the statement at PPM office last night while speaking to coalition candidates standing for Male’ City Council seats in the upcoming Local Council Election scheduled for Saturday, 18 January. Leader of the ruling party said that MDP tries to agitate other political parties through the Male' City Council.

“When MDP is in charge of Male’ City Council, the council does not play its role. The reality is they became a fully political group in carrying out their duties,” former president said.

He said a coalition will strive to provide the necessary services and work within the boundaries of the law and prove how a proper council is managed, when they win the upcoming election.

He said the parliamentary election is vital for the government and bid the candidates to also continue their coalition campaign efforts for the parliamentary election, which is scheduled for 22 March.

Highlighting the recent friction between the religiously conservative Adhaalath Party after the Adhaalath moved away from the coalition for the council elections, Maumoon said Adhaalath and coalition have a good relationship, despite the lack of a formal agreement of support regarding the upcoming elections.