Nasheed: Manifestos based on eco-friendly policies holds huge voter appeal

Speaker of Parliament, former President Mohamed Nasheed says a manifesto established based on sustainable development goals and eco-friendly policies is sure to be popular among voters.

He made the remark at the opening of the 4th South Asian Speaker’s Summit this Sunday.

In his opening remarks, Nasheed said that a government is elected based on the people’s acceptance and faith in the pledges of political parties.

“Our pledges form the body of our election manifesto. We get elected and form governments when people accept our manifesto. The Parliament’s legislative agenda and the action plans of the governments facilitates the delivery of our manifestos,” said Nasheed.

He named policies related to renewable energy, transport and agriculture as vital components of a government’s manifesto.

“Changes in energy, transport and farming would lead to a world that is starting to heal,” said Nasheed.

He said that pledges such as the promise to create thousands of employment opportunities in the renewable energy industry, phasing out of cars powered by fossil fuels is favor of self-driving and electric cars to improve air quality, and increase in the amount of land left to wilderness were all pledges which held huge voter appeal.

“If we can frame policies as a way to create jobs, reinvigorate communities hit by globalization, improve living conditions, and solve climate change, then I think we are onto a winner,” said Nasheed.

The two-day South Asian Speaker’s Summit is focused on achievement of sustainable development goals.

Nasheed closed his speech by voicing hope of reaching a solution on the achievement of sustainable development goals.