Qasim launches presidential campaign in Male’

Jumhooree Party launched its official Presidential Campaign last night in a special gathering held at the Artificial Beach in Male’. The event was attended by thousands of party members and supporters. The presidential candidate endorsed by the party, Mr. Qasim Ibrahim gave an arousing speech promising to deliver public services and restore confidence in government faster than his rivals. He highlighted some of his views and how to deal with social and economic issues facing the nation.

Qasim said that people are right to assume that he had a selfish motive to become the president of the country. “I want to deliver the things that people demand. I want the job to solve the difficulties people face today”, he said. Qasim said this was his motive for wanting to become the President of the Maldives.

In terms of policy, Qasim highlighted a number of issues. Some of which are:

- Introducing a progressive taxation system, including income tax and cooperate tax

- Begin oil exploration in the North and setup oil rigs within 3 years if oil was found

- Building hospitals in the country to diminish the need for people to travel to neighbouring countries for healthcare

- Increase opportunities for the youth and women to engage in social and political activities

- Deliver the benefits of the Maldives fishery to the people

- Increase the salary of teachers and improve and expand educational opportunities and build a recognised national university

- Police and the army will be professionally trained and given the right facilities and equipment to do their important jobs

- Judges will be professionally trained to ensure that the courts operate justly in accordance with the law

According to Jumhooree (Republican) party officials, they will now take the campaign and their message to the people living in all corners of the country.

Click to see more photos of the event on Picasa