President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has responded to the criticism made by Speaker Mohamed Nasheed during last nights primary campaign.
Speaking at the "Ibu 2023" primary campaign rally at the Maldives Democratic Party's (MDP) main hub last night, President Solih said the MDP presidential primary is an internal election and Nasheed is a competing candidate, not his opponent.
Therefore, he has been trying not to "react", but now he has to answer some questions to clarify the truth, the president said.
He said he would always allow for opinions and discuss various issues while running the government but he would not be a slave to anyone.
"These are things that will not be abandoned during a second term. I will not be a slave to anyone. I will listen, but I will make decisions that are in the best interest of the people," he said.
The President said that he dealt with internal conflicts of MDP even during the Covid pandemic.
The President said he was satisfied with the work done during the past four years although a few people within the party were trying to create hatred against the government.
"Today I will tell them to stop and try to fulfill their promises to serve the people with us," he said, addressing the Nasheed faction of MDP.
President Solih said he had won five parliamentary elections and one presidential election. With that experience, he decided to contest the MDP primary knowing the formula to win another term. He said he was confident that MDP would be able to win another five years in power.
“Not for one year, not for two years, not for three years but for five years,” he said, indirectly responding to some of Nasheed's remarks.
In 2008, when Nasheed contested, MDP won 25 percent of the vote in the first round and came into power through a coalition which had collapsed less than two months later, and the party had to take to streets again, President Solih said.
MDP won 48 percent of the vote in the 2013 presidential election but failed to win because it could not form a coalition, he added.
"These are things to think about. Which candidate will people of other political ideologies work with," he said.
Nasheed repeatedly saying the Maldives is going bankrupt and the whole country is coming to a standstill, comparing the country's situation to neighboring Sri Lanka will negatively impact the people, said President Solih.
The President repeated Nasheed's statement that the state would have to spent USD 70 million as debt repayment this month followed by monthly payments of USD 40-50 million in the coming months.
The President however, said the reality is that USD 29 million is due this month, USD 14 million in February and USD 27 million in March.
The president said that Nasheed was lying about these things for political gain and that he wanted to explain the truth.
Speaking about fisheries, Nasheed said that value should be added to the industry. However, during Nasheed's administration, the Felivaru Fisheries Complex, which had the capacity to seal 50 tonnes, was reduced to 15 tonnes, President Solih said.
It is true that a kilo of fish was bought for MVR 27 during the Nasheed administration, but fish was being exported at a loss of USD 290 per tonne, he said. The President added that fishers are not being paid their dues because of this.
"This is a presidential election. I can also charge MVR 30 per kilo of fish. But that is not the way to develop the sector," he said.
Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid tried to cut taxes on canned fish sold to the UK and Nasheed tried to take credit for it, President Solih said.
"It's a big joke," he said when Nasheed said there was no development project carried out in Fuahmulah City.
"We are implementing a project worth MVR 786 million in Fuahmulah City. From which, MVR 438 million is spent so far. Road development is almost complete, Shore protection is underway. A main road is being developed on outskirts of the island. A mosque is being built in addition to upgrading school classrooms and halls," President Solih said.
Work is now underway to expand the port and fishers will be able to sell their catch soon, he said.
"I think I'll finish for tonight. Otherwise, I'll start reacting," the President said.
Using First Lady Fazna Ahmed's statement that the President does not react to things, Nasheed has been criticizing the President.
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