Deputy Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is aiming for “Grade A” performance in governance, with ongoing reforms driven by public feedback following the recent local council elections.
Last night speaking at a gathering at the party’s main hub, Haruge, to celebrate the PNC’s victory in H.A. Muraidhoo, Shiyam said the administration views the election outcome as a performance review, describing it as a “Grade B” result that calls for improvement.
“The people have spoken, and the President has listened,” he said, adding that changes were initiated immediately after the elections in response to public expectations. He characterized the swift response as a clear example of democratic accountability in action.
Shiyam emphasized that the PNC represents citizens across all islands equally, noting that victories in smaller constituencies such as Muraidhoo are valued alongside successes in larger cities. He said the party remains committed to inclusivity and national unity.
Highlighting voter turnout, Shiyam noted that more than 75 percent of eligible voters participated in the elections, marking a notable increase from previous years where turnout often remained below 70 percent. He said this reflects growing public trust in democratic institutions and confidence in the independence of the electoral process.
He also pointed to a recent Supreme Court ruling that resulted in the loss of a parliamentary seat by a PNC member as evidence of strengthening institutional integrity. According to Shiyam, such developments demonstrate that state institutions are functioning independently and transparently.
Drawing comparisons with the previous administration, Shiyam alleged that earlier governments faced challenges in holding officials accountable, even in cases involving misuse of state resources. In contrast, he said the current leadership has demonstrated readiness to implement reforms, including cabinet changes, in line with public sentiment.
Shiyam further noted that President Muizzu did not travel to islands to campaign during the council elections, allowing candidates to contest independently. He said this approach reinforced confidence in a fair and impartial electoral process.
He concluded by reaffirming that President Muizzu remains committed to listening to the public and delivering reforms aimed at improving governance standards across the country.
