Member of Parliament for Central Hithadhoo constituency Ahmed Azaan Marzooq has stated that ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentarians, rather than opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs, frequently raise development issues concerning Addu City in parliament, including by summoning cabinet ministers for questioning.

Speaking at the campaign launch event of PNC candidate Ahmed Saeed for the North Hithadhoo by-election , MP Azaan said the role of parliamentarians is not to directly implement development projects, but to ensure projects are carried out in line with the needs and expectations of the public.

Referring to opposition candidate, MP Azaan said electing MPs focused on opposing the Government would not benefit development efforts in Addu City.  He stated that despite Addu City already being represented by two MDP MPs, it has been PNC parliamentarians who have repeatedly questioned cabinet ministers regarding development projects and raised Addu-related matters within parliamentary committees. He further alleged that MDP MPs had been absent from parliamentary proceedings on several occasions.

The MP also highlighted that when the MDP held a parliamentary majority during the 19th Parliament, its MPs did not regularly summon ministers from their own administration for questioning.

Speaking about Ahmed Saeed’s candidacy, MP Azaan described him as a committed individual who frequently raised concerns regarding local issues during his time as a councillor. He added that senior Government officials and PNC leadership acknowledged delays in implementing projects pledged for Addu City, but said assurances had been given that work would now proceed at a faster pace.