Yameen expresses regret over backing Muizzu in 2023 polls

Former President and current opposition leader Abdulla Yameen on Thursday expressed regret over his decision to support President Mohamed Muizzu in the last presidential election.

This statement was made during Yameen's first televised interview with Raajje TV since his release from prison.

When asked if he regretted his endorsement of President Muizzu, Yameen responded affirmatively, noting his disappointment with the direction of the government.

“I absolutely regret supporting Muizzu,” Yameen stated.

He remarked that his backing had been for someone he believed aligned with his views, but he now sees the situation as “foreign, irresponsible, and reckless.”

Yameen commented that citizens are currently facing hardships due to policy choices under Muizzu’s administration. He emphasised his discontent by citing public sentiment, stating that a random selection of citizens would reveal widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s actions.

Although Yameen has criticised the policies of the current administration, he noted that he was addressing issues beyond the Maldives. He referenced difficulties in regional governance, mentioning that he had similarly voiced criticism about policies under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

According to Yameen, his primary concerns with the Muizzu administration relate to two critical issues: the continued presence of Indian troops in the Maldives and the lack of efforts to reclaim maritime areas from the Chagos Archipelago. He stated that if resorts were developed in Chagos, it could negatively impact Maldivian tourism by shifting tourism activity and potentially affecting the local economy.

Yameen’s endorsement of Muizzu during the last election followed PPM-PNC Senate’s dismissal of a request from him from prison to boycott the election.