What could not be achieved previously will not be accomplished in the remaining two years; it is time to vote for change: Moosa

Former MDP Chairperson Moosa Manik (Reeko Moosa) has stated that despite the government's advocacy for decentralization, any objectives they failed to achieve over the past two years will remain unaccomplished in the two years ahead.

Speaking to RaajjeTV during the MDP’s ongoing nationwide campaign tour, Moosa stated that electing MDP candidates in the upcoming elections is essential to safeguarding the Maldives' decentralization system and ensuring that island development continues without interruption.

Moosa highlighted that this visit aims to garner support for the MDP in upcoming elections and, more specifically, to raise public awareness regarding the decentralization system and the changes the government intends to introduce. He stated that the current administration is speaking in a manner that undermines the purpose of the decentralization system. He further noted that the claim that development can only be brought to islands by electing government-aligned candidates is unacceptable.

Noting that only two years remain in the current government's term, Moosa highlighted that Maldivian history shows a pattern of leadership changing every five years. He argued there is little reason to elect a government-backed candidate for such a short duration, emphasizing that the essence of the decentralization system is for the people to be governed by those they choose. Moosa further stated that the government's good intentions would be proven if they continued to effectively implement the projects initiated by the MDP administration.

Therefore, there should be no urgent need to act within a mere two-year timeframe. It is certainly not a requirement for this island to elect a government candidate to get things done. If there is a genuine desire to progress within the decentralised system, the government could have easily proven its commitment to the people by effectively continuing the projects initiated by the MDP administration over the past five years. The current administration claims to have the sincere intention of serving the Maldivian people. However, they have failed to deliver on that promise.

Former MDP Chairperson Moosa Manik (Reeko Moosa)

Furthermore, Moosa alleged that a ministry similar to the former Atolls Ministry is being re-established in Male', effectively centralizing local powers back to the capital. He stated that this move undermines the decentralization system and urged citizens to consider this carefully and cast their votes for MDP candidates.

Speaking on the proposed constitutional amendments and the referendum, Moosa stated that while Article 4 of the Constitution mandates that all powers of the state originate from the people, the government is attempting to undermine those powers. He further asserted that the move to synchronize the two elections is intended to reduce the frequency with which the government must seek the public's mandate.

Moosa further stated that the development witnessed in the Maldives today, including financial aid for single mothers, the Aasandha healthcare scheme, and the public transport system, are the direct results of constitutional amendments introduced by the MDP. Consequently, Moosa appealed to the public, asserting that the only way to escape the current threat is by voting "No" in the upcoming referendum.