Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has warned the government that "he cannot keep his eyes closed" while the "country is going in the wrong direction."
Speaking at a campaign rally in Hinnavaru on Saturday night, Solih said he could see the country falling into an abyss.
"We can see the country falling into an abyss if we don't work together. They [ruling party leaders] were lying before and they continue to lie today," Solih said.
He said the people who were deceived because of those lies are now seeing the truth.
"People from different islands, different parts of the country are thinking about this and they are worried and sad. People living in the islands and Male' are starting to regret what has been done," Solih stated.
Solih claimed that many development projects were launched during his government, especially to improve the living standards of people on the islands, including water, sewerage, health, education, harbors and transportation projects.
But the new government which came into power in November 2023 has stopped all these projects, he added.
Hope for parliamentary elections
Solih expressed confidence that the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will win the polls scheduled for March 17 to elect MPs for the 20th session of the People's Majlis.
"[After taking the majority in parliament], our first goal is to continue to work to get this government back on track. We will tell Dr. Muizzu to stop lying. We will tell him not to deceive the people," Solih said.
A total of 368 candidates are contesting in the parliamentary elections with most candidates from MDP. The party has fielded candidates for 93 constituencies.
