Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the presidential candidate of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) coalition, has officially launched his campaign in the capital, Malé City.

Joined by his running mate MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Muizzu emphasised his housing policy for the capital’s residents, highlighting that his government would not revoke the land allocated to Malé residents under the current government’s housing policy.

He assured that beneficiaries of the current government’s housing policy need not worry, as his policy’s focus would be to ensure housing for all citizens, identifying housing as a key contributor to most social issues.

Saying that the land and flats were provided by the current government without proper plans or available land, Muizzu expressed his commitment to turning this glimmer of hope into a reality.

Muizzu, who served as the housing minister during President Yameen and President Waheed’s tenures, mentioned that his previous governments had comprehensive plans in place and would unveil them in a separate event.

The event on Thursday was attended by the leadership of the PPM/PNC coalition, reaffirming their support for Muizzu and underlining their commitment to move forward under former President Yameen’s guidance.

PNC President Abdul Raheem Abdulla stated that a government led by Muizzu would work towards securing former President Abdulla Yameen’s release from his 11-year prison sentence and would be guided directly by Yameen. He emphasised that Yameen’s policies and vision would persist even in a Muizzu-led government.

Commenting on the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Elections Commission’s rejection of Yameen’s candidacy, Abdul Raheem said the government anticipated that the ruling would cause divisions within the coalition and would not field a new candidate.

He noted that Yameen acted in the people’s interest and agreed to participate in the election with a new candidate representing the parties.

PPM’s Vice President Ahmed Shiyam reiterated this stance, stating that Yameen earnestly wishes for Muizzu’s victory in the 9 September elections.

“Fearing that many Maldivians might not have the opportunity to vote, he (Yameen) has cleverly shown us a path. He introduced us to his protégé, a steward of his golden days, a minister who closely worked to materialise his development agenda,” Shiyam remarked.

He asserted that Muizzu was the best candidate for the PPM/PNC coalition, with no other candidate capable of competing against him.