President’s absence from Addu shows MDP has won, says Sodiq
Addressing supporters, Sodiq urged voters to support candidate number two and said he was confident of winning the seat.
Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Abdulla Sodiq has claimed that his party has already secured victory in the upcoming Hithadhoo North parliamentary by-election, citing President Mohamed Muizzu’s absence from the campaign in Addu City as evidence.
Sodiq, a former Mayor of Addu City, made the remarks during a campaign rally held at Hithadhoo School on Thursday night ahead of Saturday’s vote.
The rally was attended by senior MDP figures, including former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Addressing supporters, Sodiq urged voters to support candidate number two and said he was confident of winning the seat.
“Looking at our rival candidate and the actions of the ruling party, it is clear that we have already won this election,” Sodiq said.
He argued that the strongest indication of an MDP victory was the absence of President Mohamed Muizzu from the campaign trail in Addu.
“The clearest confirmation is that President Muizzu did not come to this island to campaign for his party,” Sodiq said.
Sodiq also outlined his campaign activities, stating that he had visited households and cafés across the constituency, met voters living in Malé and Hulhumalé, and spoken directly with more than 600 constituents by telephone.
He said these interactions indicated that voters were prepared to cast their ballots on election day.
Sodiq also argued that several development projects in Addu had gained attention during the by-election campaign because of his candidacy.
He claimed that residents, including some supporters of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), recognised the need for a representative who would raise concerns affecting the constituency in parliament.
According to Sodiq, electing a government-aligned candidate would reduce scrutiny of issues affecting Addu.
He pledged to question the government on delayed projects and advocate for the interests of residents if elected.
“You must vote for number two. When projects such as Hankede remain incomplete, I will be the one asking why they have not been opened,” he said.
The Hithadhoo North by-election is scheduled to take place on Saturday. The seat became vacant following the disqualification of former MP Mohamed Sinan.
