Former Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed has praised President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership and work ethic, describing his efforts during the recent local council elections as unmatched in the country’s political history.

In a post on social media reflecting on the elections, Riyaz said he had not seen a President demonstrate such sustained effort and dedication to engaging with the public. He characterised the President’s campaign as more than a political exercise, describing it as a sacrifice made in service of the people.

Riyaz highlighted the President’s outreach during the campaign period, noting that President Dr Muizzu personally met citizens across Malé, Hulhumalé and Villimalé, including through door-to-door visits. He said this approach reflected sincerity and a direct commitment to understanding public concerns.

He also pointed to the President’s engagement with citizens during Ramadan and the subsequent Shawwal fasting period, stating that the level of effort shown was not commonly seen. However, Riyaz noted that similar levels of commitment were not evident among some ministers and Members of Parliament.

The former MP stated that the President’s interactions with the public extended to listening to concerns over housing, cost of living and access to services, with steps taken to address issues such as land and flat allocation policies and to ease certain conditions.

He further noted that assistance had been extended to individuals facing financial hardship, alongside measures aimed at reducing the cost of essential services.

Commenting on the election outcome, Riyaz said results in some constituencies reflected weak engagement between elected representatives and the public. He added that citizens are seeking accessible leaders who respond to their concerns, rather than limited engagement through official platforms.

Riyaz also welcomed recent steps taken by the Government to introduce changes within its structure, including the removal of underperforming officials and the introduction of educational requirements for political appointees.

He said these decisions reflect a commitment to accountability and merit-based governance, while also signalling responsiveness to public sentiment following the elections.