For the first time under a new constitution, the Maldives is voting in a few days. In many aspects it’s a rush job. The completion of the newly drafted constitution and the provision to hold a presidential election in October, time is short for a campaign for any candidate. Unofficially though, many have been preparing for candidacy for a long time. Of the six candidates/political groups, the Maldives will elect the country’s president for the next five years. A clear and visible determination is seen among all candidates for their bid for the country’s top job.

Candidates have spoken of their offer for the country and citizens. As a citizen it is disappointing to realise fewer than a couple of candidates have seriously been objective in making a good offer for the country. Of the few, I find Dr. Hassan’s bid and his manifesto very well structured; this is about the promise isn’t it? I consider his statements to deliver the promise as overwhelming. On another note, now more than ever, the country requires an intellectually capable leader. Dr. Hassan along with Dr. Shaheed and Dr. Jameel’s offer for better and more equitable prosperity for the country and its people, is no doubt the best offer on the table so far. I therefore trust and support Dr. Hassan in his bid for the next president of the Maldives.