The ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate's spokeswoman Mariya Ahmed Didi has heavily criticized opposition coalition candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, saying he lacks a manifesto for the September 9 presidential election.
At a press briefing today, Mariya characterized Muizzu as the candidate of Jamiyyathul Salaf as well as the Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC). She referred to Muizzu as the "PNC-Salaf" candidate and explained the label.
"All Salaf people, one after the other are supporting Muizzu, saying the candidate they support and endorse is Muizzu," Mariya said.
Salaf has faced criticism from the MDP and some other parties over alleged political activities behind the facade of a civil society association. In the 2018 election, Salaf endorsed then-President Abdulla Yameen, who was the PPM candidate. While some senior Salaf leaders have endorsed Muizzu, the NGO is expected to officially announce the stand.
"Muizzu has no manifesto"
"For all those days, the PNC-Salaf candidate was the PPM deputy leader. PPM is not participating in this election. The palm [PPM logo] is not on the [ballot] paper. However, what we're seeing is that when he suddenly got the candidacy and stood, he hadn't thought of how to do things. He hadn't considered a calculated manifesto on how to do things," Mariya said.
A multi-party democracy was not established for voting based on a person's appearance but for showing the public how to implement budgeted and costed pledges, she said.
"He's just saying whatever comes to mind. He's even talking about what we're already doing. President [Ibrahim Mohamed] Solih is campaigning among the public with a manifesto by talking to the people, seeking their opinion and doing what they want," Mariya said.
Campaigning is an important democratic process and every candidate should be able to campaign freely and reach the public, she said, which is how their pledges and policies for the five-year term could be explained to voters.
But Mariya attacked Muizzu saying his campaign has not conducted research or sought public opinion.
"We don't see other candidates campaigning by finding out what the public wants in an organized way...they haven't checked to see what the people of Molhadhoo want. The harbor was completed when they said it," said Mariya, responding to Muizzu.
"There are no studies of any sort at all. He's just standing [at a podium], saying 'this is needed here' because that's what some are saying, and then leaving."
Everyone has the opportunity to campaign and arrangements have been made as stated in the constitution, Mariya said.
"If anyone tries to obstruct PNC-Salaf candidate Muizzu when he gets [on islands], he will get the assistance of the police and military. All candidates and running mates were provided security on the day that the candidates were declared," the defense minister said.
Opposition supporters have been protesting on some islands when President Solih arrives on campaign visits. Mariya said the opposition was protesting for the sake of a photo and urged the public to consider campaign obstruction when voting.
In order to win the presidential election, a candidate must secure above 50 percent of the vote. If no candidate wins a majority in the first round, a run-off will be held between the two frontrunners. President Solih is aiming to win re-election in one round.
