Moosa Launches Campaign

Presidential contender Reeko Moosa Manik on Tuesday launched his campaign for the largest opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) nomination with a pledge to solve the country’s drugs problem in a year through stringent police action, and an emphasis on the joint power of “all Maldivians” to effect political change.

The second MDP contender to hold a formal launch, Moosa followed Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) in kicking off his campaign at Malé’s Kalaafaanu School.

At an event which showed his trademark showmanship – much in evidence in sessions of the People’s Majlis (parliament) – Moosa issued special thanks to finance minister Gasim Ibrahim who “has been part of the reform process, along with the MDP”.

Emphasising the combined achievements of the reform movement, Moosa also credited key members of the party, including presidential rival Anni; unnamed business supporters; and “those who have secretly supported the reform effort” despite being part of the government of incumbent president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Tackling drugs and corruption are top priorities for the campaign, which emphasises Moosa as a man of the people. “You do not have to have a degree to be the president” of Maldives, he told an appreciative audience.

Campaign manager Mohamed Nazim, himself running for the party chairmanship, added that Moosa’s campaign will start immediately in the northern atolls, followed by visits to Gaaf Dhaal, Addu and Fuvahmulak in the south, timed to accommodate Moosa’s commitments as MP for Laamu Atoll.

And unlike other MDP members, Moosa emphasises police strength as key to combatting the endemic problems of drugs and gang violence in the country.

One of three contenders for the party nomination, Moosa is competing against former chairperson Anni and party president Dr Mohamed Munavvar.

Whilst Anni’s campaign was launched on March 7, Munavvar has yet to hold a formal launch.

A former film star, Moosa spent four years in jail in the 1980s for political activity. His brother, Reeko Ibrahim Manik, is president of the Maldivian Social Democratic Party (MSDP) and has said he may also seek the national presidency.