DRP can defeat Nasheed in 2013 presidential elections: Thasmeen

“DRP possesses the necessary policies, an adept team, a party branch and members in every island to defeat Nasheed in 2013,” he claimed.

Thasmeen further stressed that despite claims by some that the country needs to look back in order to secure the progress and growth of the nation, it was contrary to the truth.

“Contrary to the claims by some, I believe that the Maldives does not require to look to its past to ensure its future. The party that secures power in 2013, must be a party that does not revert to the past but which sets aim for the future,” he said.

While criticizing the former President, Thasmeen alleged that Nasheed’s actions had been against democracy and had paved way for corruption. He also accused Nasheed of deceiving the people.

Refuting the rumors that DRP was to form a political coalition with Nasheed and his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Thasmeen stressed that he had not formed a political alliance with Nasheed in the past nor will he do so in future.

“Even in 2008, or before and after, I have never been on the same side as Nasheed. Inshah Allah I would not be even in future,” he added.

Speaking with regard to the downfall of Nasheed on February 7, Thasmeen said that many lessons had been learnt that day, and the loss of confidence in the president by the security forces had been witnessed on the day.

“The message we got from February 7, was that the trials of democracy must be faced by us all,” Thasmeen said.

“We witnessed that the security forces, entrusted with the safety and security of the elected leader and the people, lose the confidence and trust in the leader.”

While referring to political figures, Thasmeen claimed that such political figures had now lost the confidence of the people and stressed that such confidence must be regained.

He further noted that unless that confidence is restored, no political leader would be accepted by the people.

“Today’s reality is that the people do not trust political figures. We must regain the faith of the people in us. We must put an effort to regain their trust. Without regaining the confidence of the people, we will never be accepted political leaders,” Thasmeen detailed.

In addition to Thasmeen, present Home Minister and Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) Deputy leader Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, Thulusdhoo constituency MP Rozaina Adam, Fonadhoo constituency MP Ali Saleem and Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shafeeu had addressed the gathering last night.

In the DRP last night, a large contingent of the gathered crowd had been foreign expatriates. About 60 foreigners had been orchestrated by a handful of locals in the rally, where the expatriates had been instructed to be seated, balloons had been handed to them, while the locals had continually instructed the foreigners to stand and applaud whenever the atmosphere had gotten intense.

Speaking to Haveeru, most foreigners said that they had been present at the rally on “boss’s orders,” while others had been afraid to talk.