Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed on Saturday accused President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of bringing back undemocratic practices that were glorified during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s presidency.
Speaking at a campaign rally held in Alifu Alifu atoll, Himandhoo the former president recalled a time when Gayyoom said that only one harbour could be developed in the Maldives within a year. He said that developmental projects are being completed at an acceptable pace now because of the work MDP has done to ensure a multiparty system and democratic principles in the country.
"However, I am concerned about the picture we’re seeing now. [People] are of the belief that nothing will get done unless they’re close with the [Cabinet] ministers," Nasheed said. "They think that they have to act a certain way because of the positions they hold in the government."
"No – this should not happen this way. We all rallied to ensure our individuality and our freedoms," Nasheed said. "No one should have to kneel before power now."
Nasheed repeated these sentiments on the different islands he visited during the campaign trial. In Dhaalu atoll, Kudahuvadhoo, Nasheed said that government employees and those who work in state-owned enterprises are fearful that they might lose their jobs if they did not support the current administration. Referring back to Gayyoom’s era, he said he was seeing similar situations that he saw in the 1980s come back.
"'Stay at home; wait at home until we notify you; [I’ve] been asked to go back to Malé; or they’ve been exiled or are in jail'—these are all 80’s rhetorics. I am concerned that we are hearing them again."
"I am here today because I am concerned. There are undemocratic, Maumoon-era principles reviving in the country now."
He urged his supporters not to regard these alleged threats from the government, and reflected on longstanding MDP principles, saying that everybody should be able to feed their families and live a proud life from what they earn doing honest work. "That is the true MDP person," Nasheed said about people who embody these qualities.
During the weekend, Nasheed visited Alifu Alifu atoll, Alifu Dhaalu atoll, Faafu atoll and Dhaalu atoll as part of his campaign for MDP’s presidential primary election scheduled to be held on January 28. Nasheed is competing against incumbent President Solih. The two leaders have been heavily criticising each other during their respective campaign trails. Solih is currently in Noonu atoll for his campaign.
Sign In