News Desk
MALÉ, Maldives — First Lady Sajida Mohammed met with women candidates representing the ruling People’s National Congress in the upcoming Malé local council elections in an effort to expand women’s participation in politics and encourage those contesting the polls.
During the meeting, Ms. Sajida briefed the candidates on their campaign activities and urged them to remain determined as they navigate what she called the challenges of the electoral arena. She encouraged them to prioritize honesty and sincerity, saying political work should be viewed as a form of public service.
She also emphasized the importance of increasing women’s involvement in national service, particularly in political decision making. Women make up a significant share of Maldivian society, she said, and incorporating their perspectives into development planning in both islands and urban areas would be a meaningful step forward. Elections, she added, offer an opportunity to demonstrate women’s empowerment in practice rather than as a slogan.
Party officials say increasing the number of women contesting elected positions is a priority for the People’s National Congress and for President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu’s administration, which has pledged to expand political and economic opportunities for women. The party is fielding the largest number of candidates in both the local council and women’s development committee elections.
The First Lady’s meeting comes as the party intensifies its campaign activities across Malé and the atolls. Officials said such gatherings help strengthen ties between candidates and reinforce their efforts ahead of the vote. Supporters hope a significant number of women will be elected and take on roles in local governance.
Earlier in the day, President Muizzu urged voters to support candidates aligned with government policies, saying the outcome of the local council elections would influence the pace of development.
Speaking at a campaign event, he warned against what he described as political disruptions that could slow government projects.
“This government is with our people,” he said, urging voters to avoid electing representatives who might obstruct development efforts. He called on the public to back the more than 1,300 candidates nominated by the ruling party.
The president said councils play a central role in implementing government policies in rural areas and that electing representatives who oppose those policies could hinder progress. He argued that a cooperative political environment was necessary to maintain stability and ensure development continues.
The government has said the upcoming elections will shape the country’s future direction and has urged citizens to choose candidates who will work with national authorities to advance development plans.
