While incumbent President Abdulla Yameen has vowed to increase the retirement age in Maldives, opposition's Abdulla Shahid has said that the purpose of this 'is to cut off the current allowance of MVR 5,000 to senior citizens'.

Shahid said this at Monday's opposition rally at Kulhudhuffushi island of Haa Dhaalu atoll. The opposition has divided into two teams, one led by presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the other by his running mate Faisal Naseem, in order to travel to all inhabited islands in the country prior to September's polls.

Speaking at the gathering, the Henveiru-North MP and former parliament speaker noted that the current allowance to those over 65 will be cut off if the retirement age is increased.

Furthermore, the lawmaker questioned the island's residents over the progress of the various pledges made to them by President Yameen, including 'work on 18 roads and the airport which was to be completed by August 1'.

MP Shahid added that the people have sauid 'enough' to Yameen.

He also criticized the incumbent president for not meeting with residents during his 'few' trips to the islands, adding that President Yameen is 'incapable' of fulfilling the people's needs.

Further noting that Yameen's five-year rule is ending without fulfilling his various pledges, Shahid said that the people are now questioning this. He highlighted that pledges such as the MVR 10,000 under the fisherman insurance pledge, MVR 8,000 to farmers, flats to newlyweds and a doctor for each family 'remains unfulfilled'.

He also criticized the government's plans to conduct weddings on the Sinamalé Bridge, despite failing to fulfill its pledge to newlyweds.

Shahid, a former foreign minister as well, appealed to the people to be wary of all this and to ensure that they are registered to vote.

During a trip to Huvadhu atoll last week, President Yameen pledged to increase the retirement age to 74-75 years, claiming that 'it would result in greater allowances for the elderly demographic'.