Abbas Ibrahim Concludes a Rather Unsuccessful Campaign Trip to Gaaf Dhaal

Abbas Ibrahim, speaker of the Special Majlis and brother-in-law of President Gayoom, has concluded what can only be described as an ‘unsuccessful’ campaign trip to Gaaf Dhaal, where he is a candidate in the upcoming Majlis elections.

Abbas left Male’ earlier this week courtesy of a government speed boat (using government property to further a candidate’s election campaign is outlawed in Maldivian election regulations). Upon arrival a small reception party was assembled, which included the Atoll Chief, the Assistant Atoll Chief and all of the Island Chiefs (election regulations state that Atoll Chiefs are not allowed to meet with candidates during the election campaign).

Despite enjoying the favour of the government, Abbas’ reception amongst the electorate appears to have been less agreeable. In his first meeting, Abbas was heckled by a member of the crowd, who reportedly stood up and shouted “we will not vote for you, we will not gain anything from you!” Abbas, fuming with anger, demanded that the assembled crowd remove the man from the meeting. The crowd did not budge, and the man continued his tirade, “even if you throw us out of here or pay us, we will not vote for you in this election” sources from Gaaf Dhaal reported.

Abbas left the island and continued on his campaign tour, which took him next to Madaveli Island. His reception there, however, was no warmer. Angry residents reportedly told him to “close your campaign office, do not campaign here again.” Abbas reportedly lost his temper for a second time.

To conclude his lightning tour of the Atoll, Abbas then went onto Thinadhoo Island. Noticing, though, that the island was covered with the campaign material for candidate Hafeeza Afeef, a known reformist, Abbas reportedly decided to call it a day, and sailed back to Male’ in his government speed boat.

Abbas Ibrahim courted controversy last month when reports from Gaaf Dhaal indicated that his campaign team had been portraying him as ‘a friend’ of MDP Spokesperson Mohamed Latheef.

The rumours forced Mr Latheef to ‘clarify his position’. Speaking to Minivan News – in an interview also carried on Minivan Radio last week – Mr Latheef said: “given his known reactionary views on social and political reform, Abbas is the least suitable person in the entire country for this important post [of Special Majlis Speaker].”

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