Solih: Maldives headed towards a deep ditch; cannot turn a blind eye

Underscoring that Maldives is headed towards a “deep ditch” –  opposition MDP's interim leader, former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has remarked that he cannot turn a blind eye as someone who has previously served as the president.

Solih, who had served as the lawmaker for Hinnavaru constituency for over a long period, highly criticized the government while speaking at a campaign event of incumbent Hinnavaru MP Jeehan Mahmood who is contesting for the constituency in the upcoming parliamentary election on Saturday night.

“Have served as the president of Maldives for five years. I cannot turn a blind eye and stand idle in the capacity of someone who has served as president. The nation is not on the right path,” he said.

“Lied back then. Are lying now even,” he stressed.

Solih said the current administration had misconstrued the reality to the people in order to come to people, adding that residents of Male’ and the islands are gutted about it today.

Speaking further, Solih said his administration had undertaken significant efforts to improve the lives is residents living in Maldivian islands – and in this regard, had carried out a number of development projects to improve aspects such as water and sewerage, health and education among others. He emphasized that all these projects have been halted after the change in administration.

The former president said he felt positive about the upcoming parliamentary election. In this trajectory, he expressed confidence that his party, MDP, can secure the majority in the 20^th parliamentary assembly.

“We will work on guiding the current administration to the right path. We call on (president) Dr. Muizzu to refrain from telling lies,” he said.

Lawmakers will be elected for 93 constituencies in this year’s parliamentary election – marking six additional constituencies compared to the ongoing 19^th parliamentary assembly.

The highest number of candidates contesting in this year’s parliamentary election represent MDP for 90 constituencies. Ruling PPM-PNC coalition is contesting for 89 constituencies.