Addressing the people of Haa Alif Kelaa yesterday, President Mohamed Nasheed has hailed the re-vote in Kelaa to elect Kelaa Island Council and Kelaa representation in Haa Alif Atoll Council as a sign of restoration of justice in the country.
The Election Commission has scheduled a local by-election to elect Kelaa Island Council and councillors to represent Kelaa in the Atoll Council for Saturday, April 9, after High Court ruled previous results invalid and ordered a re-vote.
Referring to the matter, the President said “the discontinuation of voting in Kelaa [on February 5 when local elections were held nationwide], and court order to hold a re-vote mark a turn of a new page in the history” of this country.
“I am encouraged by the new reality we are seeing. Today we see a clear sign of justice being restored,” he said.
He further said, reinstating justice and installing mechanisms to deliver justice in this country were the biggest projects of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party.
The President said national development could not be possible without ensuring justice in the country.
In addition, he noted that the development the people desired could only be achieved through the participation of the people in shaping their development.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to include other major islands in the country, other than the capital, in the national development, he said the development of Thiladhunmathi (Haa Alif and Haa Dhaal Atolls) depended to the development of Kelaa.
He said the completion of the government’s transport network, the housing project or any other programme would be difficult without including Kelaa in these projects.
In his address to the people of Kelaa yesterday evening, the President also highlighted the achievements of the government in Kelaa in delivering its pledges.
During the visit to the island, the President met with Haa Alif Atoll Council.
