Ibrahim Falah, parliamentary group leader of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), has predicted a decisive victory for his party in the upcoming local council elections, saying the PNC is poised to secure more than 80 percent of council seats nationwide.
Speaking at a gathering in Kulhudhuffushi on Thursday, Falah criticised the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), describing it as an outdated party that has failed to adapt to changing public expectations. He said the MDP lacks young leadership and fresh thinking, adding that the policies it continues to promote no longer resonate with voters.
Kulhudhuffushi, where the MDP has held a council majority for the past 17 years, was cited by Falah as an example of stalled progress. He argued that development in the city has not advanced under long-standing MDP control and urged residents to consider a change in leadership at the upcoming polls.
“The next council election is extremely important,” Falah said. “It will determine whether development in our islands and cities continues or whether things remain as they are now.”
According to Falah, the PNC is advancing with what he described as a youth-focused approach, giving space to new leaders and ideas at both city and island council levels. He said young candidates are emerging across the country, including in Kulhudhuffushi, and that this shift is central to the party’s development agenda.
In contrast, he said opposition leaders have remained unchanged for years, contributing to a steady decline in public support. “The MDP has not renewed itself. There is no young mindset, and they are still pursuing the same policies they have followed since 2008. Those policies are not selling anymore,” he said.
Falah expressed confidence that voters would deliver a strong mandate to the ruling party. “We are hopeful of winning these local council elections very easily, with more than 80 percent,” he added.
According to the Election Commission, six political parties are contesting the council elections, with a total of 1,611 candidates approved so far, including party-affiliated and independent contenders.
The PNC is fielding candidates for 665 of the 678 council seats up for election, the highest number among all parties. The MDP follows with 495 candidates, while smaller parties and independents make up the remainder.
Across both local council and women’s development committee elections, a total of 2,993 candidates are expected to compete. The commission said voter eligibility stands at 294,937 people, including 144,527 women and 150,410 men, with the draw to allocate candidate numbers expected around mid-February.
