Joint Opposition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged members of Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) to join the opposition.

Speaking at a campaign event in N. Maalhendhoo on Monday, Solih said that senior and ordinary MDA members should not to stay on the sidelines, even if the government coalition party has made the decision to not back a presidential candidate.

Solih said that it was important for them to be part of the opposition’s successful campaign.

Solih said that the opposition parties had joined together for various reasons including oppression, job insecurity, and imprisonment of opposition members. He added that billions have been lost through state embezzlement, which could have been used for development of water supply and sewerage systems in the islands.

He highlighted that the main issue was a lack of justice and vowed to bring equality in his administration.

He also said that the health sector needs to be improved and pledged to develop the health centers with high-tech laboratories in all the islands.