President Dr Mohamed Muizzu used his landmark two year anniversary address to deliver a powerful appeal ahead of the upcoming Local Council Elections, urging Maldivian citizens to choose councillors who will work in full alignment with the national development agenda. Speaking before more than thirteen thousand supporters at Artificial Beach, the President framed the elections as a decisive moment that will determine the speed and success of the country’s transformation over the next three years.
The President told the crowd that the government has already mobilised 1,875 active development projects across the Maldives, with 1,358 launched during his administration. He said this momentum must not be slowed by political obstruction at the local level and insisted that councils must reflect the aspirations of the people rather than the interests of opposition groups. According to the President, cooperation between central and local government is essential for sustaining stability, strengthening services, and delivering equal development to every island.
The appeal comes at a time when local councils hold significant influence over housing approvals, land allocation, island level infrastructure, social services and permitting for community level projects. Under the Decentralisation Act, councils have the authority to manage local resources and budgets. The President said these powers must be used responsibly and in harmony with national objectives, not as political tools to delay or undermine development that citizens urgently need.
President Muizzu noted that during his island visits, councils often raised concerns about past governments failing to deliver on promises or abandoning projects after foundation stones were laid. He said this administration has reversed that trend by completing stalled works, launching new initiatives and ensuring that all islands receive equal attention under the government’s inclusive development model.
He emphasised that the government is prioritising housing, land distribution, health services, education quality, digital transformation and public infrastructure in every region. According to the President, councillors who share this vision will ensure uninterrupted project delivery, while those pursuing conflict or political theatrics will create unnecessary delays that harm citizens.
The President said he believes Maldivians will elect leaders who share the government’s sense of urgency. He appealed for councillors, council presidents and mayors who will collaborate closely with national ministries and state companies. He added that the people have already shown their trust in the government by participating in the largest political gathering in modern Maldivian history and that this trust must now be reflected in the polling booths.
The President assured the crowd that his administration will continue to work at full speed, from housing mega projects and land reclamation to health sector expansion, new laboratories, school improvements and nationwide equality measures. He said councillors must not hinder these efforts but should instead join hands with the government to achieve them.
By positioning the Local Council Elections as a referendum on development, the President signalled that the nation’s progress depends on unity across all levels of government. He stated that the people deserve leaders who prioritise the country over personal or partisan interests and expressed confidence that voters will make that choice.
As the rally continued late into the night, supporters chanted in approval, reinforcing the message that the Maldives is entering a new phase of coordinated, island level progress driven by national ambition and local partnership.
