Maldives is gearing up for its upcoming Presidential Election, Which will be held on September 9th, 2023 Saturday.
This is the 5th Presidential Election in Maldives since the new constitution was ratified by the president on 7 August 2008. The Maldives operates under a presidential system of governance in which the president serves as both the head of state and head of government. The president is elected directly by the people through a vote every five years, with a constitutional restriction allowing them to serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The 2023 Presidential Election Will set a few records in Maldivian Political history as this marks the most number of candidates contesting. There are 8 Presidential Candidates running for Office in this Election. Over 280,000 Maldivians are eligible to vote in this Election, among these 27,000 are first-time voters.
Presidential Candidate
Candidate No: 1: Umar Naseer (Independent)
Running Mate: Former Deputy Home Minister Maaz Salim
Former Home Minister (2013-2016) and the Businessman ran for the Presidency back in 2008. Later backed MDP Candidate in the 2nd round of the Presidential Election. Umar Naseer is running for Presidency this time with the slogan “Hallakee Umar” which translates to “Solution is Umar”. Umar Naseer has been someone who has firmly believed in his Principles and not broken his wording to be on board to another Political ideology.
Umar Naseer’s priorities in the Office are said to be closing down Drug Entries to Maldives, Street killings, Illegal immigrants, and the presence of foreign troops in the country. He has pledged to implement the Death Penalty Sentence and Islamic Sharia in Maldives.
Umar Naseer Manifesto: Not available on any public platform
Candidate No: 2: Hassan Zameel (Independent)
Running Mate: Zameel’s Wife Mariyam Alim
Zameel served in the Ministry of Tourism for 19 years and voluntarily Retired. Since then worked at the Ministry of Defence as a Deputy Ministry in the current government. Zameel has pledged to provide an allowance of MVR 20,000 to the parents who stay home to take care of the kids.
Hassan Jameel Manifesto: Not available in any public platform
Candidate No: 3: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Maldivian Democratic Party, MDP)
Running Mate: MP Mohamed Aslam
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, How is the current President of the Maldives after winning the 2018 presidential election over then President, President Yameen with a Popular vote of 134,705 (58.38%)
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is set to be the first President under the new constitution to be elected for a 2nd term if he is able to win this Election. President Ibu said he will be retiring from Politics after 2nd term in Office. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is running for the Office with a Coalition of the Adhaalath Party (AP) and the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA)
Ibu’s “Ufaaveri Amaan Raajje”, Happier Peaceful Maldives Manifesto consists of A Fulfilled Life, The New Youth, Safe Society, Good Governance, and Economic Reform.
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih Manifesto: ibuaslam.com
Candidate No: 4: Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (People’s National Congress, PNC)
Running Mate: MP Hussain Mohammed Latheef
Former Minister of Housing and current Mayor of Male’ City, Dr. Muizzu has been contesting as a backup candidate for PNC’s Coalition Party PPM’s Presidential Candidate Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. President has been serving a Jail Sentence after being convicted of Bribery and Money Laundering.
Dr. Muizzu is a front-runner in the Presidential Election. Muizzu Campaign Slogan is “Dhiveheenge Raajje”, Maldivian’s Maldives.
Some highlights of Muizzu Pledges are, Empowering youth with better Job Opportunities and affordable housing and enabling International Payment Gateways access in Maldives.
Dr. Mohamed Muizzu Manifesto: dhiveheengeraajje.net
Candidate No: 5: Qasim Ibrahim (Jumhooree Party, JP)
Running Mate: Dr. Ameen Ibrahim
Qasim Ibrahim has reached a high level in Business ventures and has been counted among the most successful Businessmen in the Maldives. He has served in government in various Jobs, Including Finance Minister, and Speaker of the Parliament, He is currently serving as Adh. Maamigili Parliament member
His party, Jumhooree Party has played a significant role in winning previously held Elections in Maldives.
Qasim has pledged to strengthen Foreign Policies, Reduce governing costs, and open more opportunities to conduct Business in Maldives. Moreover, Qasim has promised not to put Business Interests first after becoming President
Qasim Ibrahim Manifesto: jumhooree.org
Candidate No: 6: Ahmed Faris Maumoon (Independent)
Running Mate: Dr. Abdul Sattar Yoosuf
Faris Maumoon, Former MP of Dhiggaru Constituency and the son of Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom who has served as President of Maldives for 30 years.
Faris aims to reform current two-party politics in Maldives and end the norm of getting a high position in the government only to people who are in the current governing Party. Faris believes more capable people can run a government much more smoothly and at a low cost.
Faris has pledged to create a National Planning Council composed of technical experts to Plan Development Projects, Reduce GST to 3%, and introduce a bill to Peoples’ Majlis to limit Parliament members.
Faris Maumoon Manifesto: faris2023.com
Candidate No: 7: Ilyas Labeeb (The Democrats)
Running Mate: Hussain Amr
Ilyas Labeeb is the MP of Hulhudhoo, Addu Constituency is endorsed by Former President Mohamed Nasheed, After clashes with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s leadership, those who supported Mohamed Nasheed formed a new Party, The Democrats. Many speculated Mohamed Nasheed will be running for the Presidency. however, Ilyas Labeeb was the only candidate who contested the Party’s Primary and won the Presidents; Ticket from The Democrats.
Ilyas’s Manifesto is based on a Parliamentary System and is expected to have a referendum on the Governing System if Ilyas gets elected.
Ilyas Pledge Increase Housing to Youth, Introduce new Economic Industries, and Review the Taxation System.
Ilyas Labeeb Manifesto: The Democrats
Candidate No: 8: Mohamed Nazim (Maldives National Party, MNP)
Running Mate: Ahmed Adeel Naseer
Nazim served in the Maldives Army for 24 years and was appointed as Defence Minister during President Yameen’s Government. Nazim was the first candidate to announce his candidacy for the 2023 Election.
Nazim started his campaign with the Slogan “Ujaala Zamaan”, A Promising Time. His manifesto is based on Youth Empowerment, Healthier Families, Promoting Art & Culture, a Stronger Economy, and Upholding Islamic Principles.
Mohamed Nazim Manifesto: nazim2023.com
It is important to cast your vote in this Election as this would be the starting path to another term of government. Your involvement in deciding the Government is crucial.
You hold your opinion on whom to vote for, based on their character, previous performances, and manifesto. What matters is Casting Vote!
