Former Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Fayyaz Ismail, said last night that the Maldives has suffered its biggest socio-economic setbacks during the current presidential term.
Speaking at a campaign event held in Haa Alif Dhidhdhoo, Fayyaz asserted that the Maldivian economy has regressed by 20 to 30 years.
"The current five-year term is a period when the Maldives is experiencing its most severe economic and social damage in recent history. Our economy has essentially slipped back by 20 or 30 years. We will see the impact of this unfold over the coming days, months, and years," Fayyaz warned.
Fayyaz, who has announced his candidacy for the MDP presidential primary, said one of the objectives of the "Big Change" (Bodu Badhalhu) proposal was to prevent leaders from treating the country as their personal property.
"The main purpose of the Big Change was to ensure that whoever comes to power does not view the Maldives as their personal estate, acting as they please simply because they are the Head of State, or interpreting things according to their own whims," Fayyaz said.
He highlighted that one of the fundamental principles of these reforms is ensuring that the Constitution cannot be amended against the will of the people.
Furthermore, Fayyaz emphasised that the person elected to lead the country must always remain a servant of the people.
"We want a government that can sit down with the citizens and resolve their issues," he said.
Fayyaz is currently visiting Haa Alif Atoll to garner support for the upcoming presidential primary. During this trip, he is scheduled to visit various islands in the atoll and conduct door-to-door activities.
