The opposition coalition's presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made several pledges at the mass gathering hosted by the opposition in capital Male on Saturday night.
One of the main pledges made by the parliamentary group leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) was to ensure that all the civil servants are treated equally and given all their due allowances without being differentiated.
As Ibu vowed to increase the salaries for civil servants, it is worth noting that President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had increased salaries of civil servants earlier this year. Currently, civil servants receive an amount between MVR 700 to MVR 1,500, based on their contribution level. However, Ibu did not reveal how much of an increase he is planning to grant, should he be elected in September.
At the most, a basic salary for a civil servant in Maldives does not increase beyond MVR 5,000 per month. Even those possessing undergraduate degrees make a bare minimum of MVR 10,000 per month.
While addressing the first opposition mass gathering held in years at the capital, Ibu declared that in an opposition government, no employee, whether employed at a private or public company, shall have to face threats. He vowed to ensure that all employees are protected in their workplace.
Addressing the rumours of civil servants and employees of government companies being forced to attend gatherings held by ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Ibu declared that there was not a single person who was forced to attend the opposition's gathering on Saturday night.
Ibu recognized that the youth of Maldives wish to have a say in matters of governance and that they will not be satisfied by the simple provision of futsal fields.
Noting that the youth want more varieties of facilities, he stated that in an opposition-led government, instead of being an obstacle to the development of youth, the opposition would aid their progress.
During his speech on Saturday, Ibu attributed most social problems in Maldives to housing-related issues. He went on to promise that in an opposition government, they would provide housing to every citizen and make it affordable.
Rather than overpopulating the capital city of Male, Ibu expressed the opposition's wishes to develop several urban centres to reduce pressures felt by Maldivians across the country.
"This would make Male easier to live in", said Ibu.
The lawmaker also stated that in an opposition government, the police and Maldives National Defence Force would not commit unlawful acts, and that they would abide by the constitution and democracy.
As the presidential election draws closer, the opposition hosted the biggest gathering thus far during their 2018 presidential campaign. Leading members from all the coalition parties took part in the gathering, which was attended by hundreds of supporters.
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