If given blind eye, Maldives will turn into Indian state, Muizz warns

Opposition PPM-PNC presidential candidate Dr Mohamed Muizz said on Thursday that it is the responsibility of every Maldivian to uphold the country's independence and if the people give a blind eye in Saturday's presidential election, the country will become an Indian state.

Muizz, who has already said that Indian troops cannot stay in Maldives and will look into the agreements signed with the country in this government, spoke heavily about Maldives's independence at a campaign event in Male on Thursday evening. He repeatedly called for the vote to be made a national issue in two days.

 "The presence of Indian soldiers here today [will continue] if we closed our eyes, saying I am an MDP person, so I will vote for my party to come to power. No! I'm a Maldivian first; MDP man after being a Maldivian first. Or stand for another party too, but first after being a Maldivian”.

"This is the country of Maldivians, our Maldives. This place must remain as a country of Maldivian people. Maldives should not be a country of foreigners. If we close our eyes, it will become a country of foreigners, Indians or others”.

Muizz reiterated his statement that he would start the withdrawal of Indian troops on his first day in office. He assured that the effort would be successful. He also assured on Thursday evening that he would put the country first in foreign policy and would maintain close relations with anyone who respects that.

"On the first day [of the government], I will start work under foreign policy to withdraw the Indian troops from here. Respectfully, I will say, sorry, you cannot stay here. This is the 21st century, and ancient techniques will not work now", Muizz said.

"Actually, it's our ocean. The extent to which the Maldives is spread across the region is actually much larger than India's. Our seas should be called the sea of The Maldives."

Politicians are always talking about different things and showing different dreams in order to get votes, he said. He also asked the people not to be deceived.

"Then when our children grow up, what will we have to say tomorrow? Mom, Dad, how did this happen? There's nothing to say when we are asked that question," he said.

Muizz alleged that the rivals are trying to buy votes. He asked his supporters to not get caught in that trap.

Describing it as the biggest betrayal of the country, Muizz said it was a huge injustice to the heroes who were martyred for the freedom of the country.

"Whatever party you belong to, go and vote for the person who will ensure the independence of this country. I am of the party that leads the country [and former] President Yameen's party”, Muizz said, who is campaigning under the slogan.

“I will not allow these agreements, or sent letters to take away any part of our soil, sea, or air space of our country”.