President: Quick policy changes hinder development

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih says that quick policy changes in a democracy, or even one every five years, hinders national development.

He made the remark during a campaign rally in GA. Nilandhoo on Thursday.

Addressing the rally, President Solih said Maldives is seeing the growth of a modern democracy.

He said that the country has ascertained political freedom and freedom of the press – rights he stressed were key features of a democracy.

“If we allow quick policy changes in a democracy, the people will not see the development they desire. We have begun many important works. Many of the work is already complete,” he said.

President Solih said that changes in administration every five years, amid political turmoil and rivalry, will stop projects.

He said that some key projects initiated by the MDP administration in 2008 were stopped in 2013, when the PPM administration came to power.

“They hadn’t taken care of the islands, as much as they should have,” he said.

President Solih said that it was why he should be re-elected for a second term.

He said that he has many development projects left to run in Maldives, and that it requires political stability.

President Solih made several electoral pledges, specifically for Nilandhoo.

He said he will expand and modernize the island’s harbor, build coastal protection structures, and develop the island’s roads.

He also said he will build a youth center and a football stadium in the island.