MDP Chair Faizal Ismail says current term set Maldives back 20-30 years

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chair Faizal Ismail stated tonight that the current presidential term has caused the most damage to the country socially and economically. Speaking at a campaign event held in Haa Alif Atoll's Dhihdhoo tonight, Faizal said that the country's economy is currently 20 or 30 years behind. "This current five-year period is a time when the Maldives has suffered its biggest losses economically and socially. Our economy is genuinely set back by about 20 to 30 years. We will see the effects of this in the coming days, months, and years," Faizal said. Faizal, who has announced his candidacy in the MDP presidential primary, stated that one of the main purposes of major change is to stop the practice of using the country as personal property for whoever becomes the leader next. "Therefore, one of the biggest purposes of major change is that whoever comes after the leader does not view the country as their own personal property and use it however they wish, nor does the system change so that they can interpret things according to their own desires once given authority," Faizal said. In this regard, Faizal highlighted that among the main changes brought about by major change is that constitutional amendments cannot be made without the wishes of the people. Furthermore, Faizal stated that whoever succeeds the leader must always be someone dedicated to serving the people. "We want a government that sits with the people and solves problems together," he said. Faizal's trip to Haa Alif Atoll is being undertaken to garner support for the presidential primary. During this trip, visits have been scheduled to the islands of Haa Alif Atoll, and door-to-door campaigning will also be conducted.