President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said former President Mohamed Nasheed put the citizens on the street during his presidency.
President Solih will go head to head against Parliament Speaker Nasheed in the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) 's Presidential Primary slated for January 28.
Speaking at a campaign rally held at R. Meedhoo on Friday night, President Solih said the government that came to power in 2008 resigned within three years, putting the people on the streets. He asked the citizens to consider if they wished to allow such a situation for a second time.
"The 2008 administration ended up putting the people on the streets," President Solih said.
The president also stressed the importance of giving priority to choosing a candidate who can work with people of different ideologies. He said that his government is working with such people and bringing development to the nation.
"I have worked with people of different ideologies in this government. I assure you that I will continue to work in the same manner and bring about development," he said.
The president said former rulers had not given priority to providing basic services to the islands of Raa atoll. He said the current government had fulfilled most of its promises to provide essential services to the 15 inhabited islands in the atoll and that several projects are underway.
The president also shared information on development projects currently underway in the atoll and some of the projects planned for the upcoming year.
"The drawings of the hospital to be built in Meedhoo are now in the tendering stage. The school building is under construction. The outdoor gym and children's park, as well as the turfing of the football stadium, are nearing completion," he said.
President Solih also visited R. Maakurathu and Innamaadhoo on Friday as part of his campaign trail. His opponent, MDP's President Nasheed, is also on tour to Alif Alif, Alif Dhaalu, Faafu, and Dhaalu atoll.
