Politicial parties should offer their policies

Maldives has world-class tourist resorts to cater to rich foreign tourists and drive the GDP higher leaving a huge gap between the elites and the majority who can barely meet ends. The presidential contenders vying for the top post are promising to unlock the people from an unjust system and bring the necessary changes to create a just and humane society.

The politicians have turned Maldives into a banana republic through their ineptitude and hypocrisy. Legislators and public officials are conveniently serving their own self interest without any conscience. The public loathe the top politicians many of whom have turned into scoundrels who have abandoned reason and have no regard to public interest.

Soon every one will realise that just by changing a constitution and electing a new presidential form of government, nothing changes. Our political parties are playing the same old politics. They quibble with words and are deceitful in their stated intentions. An understandably sceptical public believes that their only real goal is to stay in power or to grab power.

Every one knows what the nation's problems are. 1 in 3 is a drug addict, we don't have health care for our citizens, crime is rampant, there is gang violence in the streets of Male', the majority of the youth remain unemployed and the general public has turned sceptical because of failed promises of reform and change.

If the past has taught us anything, it is time that we realise that we must stand up and declare that our narcissistic politicians are not interested to seek answers to solve our social problems. We should demand what we want from those seeking public office.

In this election year we need to ask the presidential contenders some important questions.

1)A responsible government must protect the interest of every one and not just the elites in Male'. Candidates should declare their position on this and advise how they will protect the interest of the common man?

2)Affordable high quality education must be provided to all students.

3)The government must provide proper health care and equal opportunity to all.

4) There should justice for all, not just only for the rich and powerful as has been happening up to now.

During their campaigns, presidential contenders should offer their policies and discuss in detail how they wish to look after public interest, provide high standards of education, provide equal opportunities and justice for all. Campaigns should not be about empty promises to deceive the public or to buy their votes without any intention for real change.