The much sought after presidential debate has created history last night when 6 presidential candidates were seated on one platform to explain policies and answer questions. Presidential hopefuls from DRP incumbent President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, MDP's Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) JP's Gasim Ibrahim, independent Dr Hassan Saeed, SLP's Ibrahim Ismail ( Ibra ), IDP's Umar Naseer were at their best when they assured they will fulfill their promises to bring change and prosperity to the country when elected to the high office of the President. The live TVM program under the Think Nation these was watched by the largest number of people so far.
The presidential candidates were given 3 minutes each first to tell to the people the reason why they are competing for presidency. All six candidates told they want embrace change and ensure a better life for the people, to develop the country and give the people benefit of the country's wealth. They want bring more economic development, address the problems of housing, drug abuse, crime, corruption, improved services for the people, make the best use of the country's resources, develop tourism and fisheries, find ways to get more income, provide concessional loans, and in short to make the life of all Maldivians happier under responsible transparent government systems.
Every candidate touched on the issue of drug abuse, promising speedy and effective curbing of the menace, giving harsh punishment to drug traffickers and traders, provide more facilities for the large number of drug addicts to bring them back to the mainstream of society. They talked about how they will develop the economies and industries in a manner the people can get their benefits, how they will help the fisheries sector, defend the fishery zone, stop illegal fishing, provide concessional loans, how tourism will be further expanded, how they will provide better education and health service with a health insurance scheme, how infrastructure will be developed and concessional loans be given,
For many, MDP's Anni was excellent and very composed and spoke with great ease. For them he is the most favorite candidate who will be the president from 11 November. Others said Dr. Hassan Saeed was the star of the debate and he has spoken so well and earned great confidence from the people. They praised him for criticizing the huge expenditure on president and his wife. IDP's Umar Naseer also did very well explaining his policies on population consolidation. SLP's Ibra is a favorite of some others who said there is no one like him. There are people who said JP's Gasim Ibrahim focused well on issues but some said he failed to make a strong appeal. There are others who commended DRP's Gayoom for his futuristic policies and they said he is still the best in the lot.
The presidential debate is over making a deep impact on the voters. The way candidates have performed last night will make a great difference. Those who watched the program knew it was serious business, and they cannot afford to make a mistake in the vote. That vote is their future, and destiny of the country. A mistake will be too costly.
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