Self-exiled former president Mohamed Nasheed reiterated his pledge to defeat incumbent president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in the next presidential elections and "win the country back for its people."
Nasheed who lives in exile in the UK after he was jailed on terrorism charges, in a pre-recorded message to mark 13 years since the Asian Tsunami devastation, urged the country and its people to always remember the tragedy.
The main opposition leader reminded the country that many who had fought for reform at the time remain imprisoned calling on the government for their immediate release.
According to Nasheed, the disaster had woken the Maldives to the need for democratic change which had been achieved by the hard-work of so many, crossing numerous obstacles and challenges.
"Today we are back to square one. We are heading towards a deep pit. The free trade agreement with China threatens not only our businessmen, but our independence and sovereignty," he said referring to the recently signed Maldives-China FTA which has been derided by the opposition.
Nasheed added that the free trade agreement also threatened the security of the region which he said was a major concern for Maldives' neighbours, especially south Asian giants India.
"We need to overcome all this. Today, when we mark the national day of unity, everyone of us need to unite for a common purpose. Political leaders have the set the example by putting up a united front. Our aim is to win the country back for its people," Nasheed enthused.
He said the country was now at critical crossroads where the people's choice could lead to their destruction or a bright future.
Nasheed was jailed on terror charges after he was convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison over the arbitrary detention of a sitting judge while he was president.
Nasheed now lives in self imposed exile in the UK after he was allowed to leave to Britain on medical leave in an internationally brokered deal in January last year.
Nasheed along with arch nemesis former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Jumhoory Party (JP) leader Gasim Ibrahim and religiously conservative Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla had united against president Yameen to "restore democracy".
