Solih: Yameen ran the most abusive administration in Maldives ever

His predecessor, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, ran the most abusive administration Maldives has ever experienced, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Speaking during a campaign event this Sunday for MDP’s candidate for H. Dh. Hanimaadhoo, Abdul Gafoor Moosa, Solih said that Yameen had been a dictator.

“He, during the past five years, ran the most dictatorial, most abusive administration this nation has ever seen. They stole and embezzled more from the State than ever,” said Solih.

He said Yameen came to power in 2013 by “stealing the election”, and called for Maldivian citizens not to allow the nation to fall into the trap for a second time.

“They carried out theft and embezzlement of State funds to levels never seen before. And they are asking for that power again. I appeal to you, don’t let Maldives fall into that pitfall again,” said Solih.

He said that the illegal activities instigated by Yameen and his administration had been apparent following their parliamentary elections victory in 2014.

“MPL is a State-owned company. They took some MVR 70 million from the company in the name of USD transactions and donated it to their candidates to buy votes. MPL, to this day, has not been returned the money. That theft too is well and done. And now they are saying they won’t be able to breathe in peace until they get that power back,” said Solih.

He said that allowing the former ruling party power at the Parliament would result in “the people being stuck in their prior circumstances”.

Former ruling party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has joined forces with People’s National Congress (PNC) and Jumhoory Party (JP) for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Speaking over the phone at a campaign event held for the opposition coalition’s candidate for the Madaveli constituency, Yameen said he would not be able to breathe in peace until the PPM-PNC-JP coalition gains majority at the Parliament.