Opposition coalition’s Vice-Presidential candidate Faisal Naseem has stated that the basic services and rights guaranteed to residents in outlying atolls have been neglected for over four years, expressing his 'shock' in seeing the condition in which some islands remain.

Naseem, who is on a tour of Shaviyani atoll as part of the opposition's campaign, arrived at Kanditheemu island on Sunday morning.

Speaking to the island's residents, Naseem said that adequate medical treatment must be assured to residents of Kanditheemu as well, highlighting that the manifesto assembled by the opposition coalition ensures the basic rights of all residents in outlying atolls.

“Maldivian citizens do not need to beg nor do they need to rely on a certain body. We are truly ashamed, what has the administration done for the citizens?” posed Naseem.

Moreover, Naseem asserted that the tyranny observed in the current administration will not be seen in the opposition's unity government.

Stressing on the deteriorating health condition of jailed former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Naseem said Gayoom's mistake is speaking against the current government's tyranny and standing up for the peoples' rights.

Naseem, who is also a long-standing lawmaker, added that adequate medical care must be guaranteed to Gayoom as well.

The opposition running mate added that inaugurating a fancy turf on the big screen is not enough, and that if the authorities provide services to the residents, they must do it thoroughly and must not leave a project impartial once begun. These development projects in islands must not be something done to lead the citizens on, Naseem said.

Naseem further stressed that things have drawn-out to the point questions have arisen whether the results of votes cast by citizens will be revealed in all honesty or not, whether the leader the citizens chose will be elected or not.