Hiya rally held on short notice, says Heena after low turnout

Apr 4, 2024, 10:40 AM
Heena speaking at press conference today. -- Photo: PNC

Heena speaking at press conference today. -- Photo: PNC

The turnout for the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) rally at the Hiya flats area on Tuesday night was not too low for a rally held on short notice during the last 10 days of Ramadan, PNC Spokesperson Heena Waleed said today.

The party has always claimed high support from the neighborhood of the Hiya flats built during former President Abdulla Yameen's government. However, the turnout at the party's rally on Tuesday night was low compared to previous rallies at the area.

There was no seating at Tuesday night's rally. The audience stood in four short rows and included many government employees, Adhadhu reporters observed from the rally.

However, speaking at a press conference today, Heena said the turnout was not low considering that it had been planned quickly without much organization during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

"Therefore, considering the nights of the last 10, with many people at worship and prayer and the time being such, I don't believe the number of people who went there that night was low," Heena said.

Tuesday night's PNC rally. -- Photo: Iyad Abdul Wahhab/ Adhadhu
Tuesday night's PNC rally. -- Photo: Iyad Abdul Wahhab/ Adhadhu

Tuesday night's PNC rally. -- Photo: Iyad Abdul Wahhab/ Adhadhu

The party previously held rallies with preparations and announcements in advance but Tuesday night's rally was not such a gathering, Heena said.

"Usually our big rallies are held with a lot of advertising, a lot of planning and a lot of work in advance. But these are rallies held just suddenly during our campaign," Heena said.

Heena's remarks about the turnout not being low in consideration of the last 10 days of Ramadan came after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu called for hard work on the campaign during the holy period.

"On this odd-number night of the last 10 of this blessed month of Ramadan, even while you are engaged in prayer, the fact that you are engaged in work that is just as noble and important is something that I rejoice in. We are forced to work, regardless of whether it is Ramadan, the last 10, an odd-number night, for the nation, for the sake of the religion," the President said.

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