Qasim Ibrahim, the presidential candidate of Jumhooree Party (JP), has vowed to bring major socioeconomic changes to the Bodu Thiladhunmathi region, which consists of the northernmost atolls. He made the remark after opening a campaign site in Kulhudhuffushi City during his visit to Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Qasim noted that developmental focus is always on the southern region while it has an equal population to the northern region. He said that he considers both regions equivalent in terms of value and vowed to commence a revolutionary change in the northernmost atolls. He also said he would modernise Hanimaadhoo International Airport to world-class standards and increase the accommodation capacity to 1.5 million people, adding that only Maldivians would be employed at the airport.
Additionally, Qasim said that he plans to establish 10,000 tourist beds in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll and waive rent payments for the next 15 years after a contractor completes the development of a resort. He also said that the government would build guesthouses or facilitate their construction by providing loans.
Highlighting the current political situation, Gasim said that politicians are always expected to visit the atolls with hopeful promises once every five years. He urged the public to ignore the size of the political parties when casting their vote, and to not make a decision they would regret later, warning that electing the wrong person would undermine national independence.