MDP united to defeat 'scam govt', Shahid says
Shahid said the priority now is for the MDP to win the upcoming council elections.
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid has described the current government as a “scam government” and called on party members to set aside internal differences and focus on the upcoming local council elections.
Shahid made the remarks during a rally held at Sultan Park on Monday evening to welcome former President Mohamed Nasheed back to the MDP, along with several members from The Democrats who rejoined the party.
Nasheed left the MDP in July 2023 following internal disagreements, particularly with former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. His return comes ahead of a local council election and amid speculation about presidential candidacies from within the MDP.
“This is where you should be. This is the platform where you can join hands and hold today’s government accountable,” Shahid said, addressing Nasheed and the returning Democrats. He stated that the MDP aims to strengthen its ranks and mobilise its resources to counter the current administration.
Shahid alleged that the government, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, was misleading the public and engaging in various forms of misconduct. He cited issues such as alleged irregularities in housing schemes, banking and foreign exchange management, and infrastructure projects.
“This is a government of scams,” Shahid said. “The banking scam, the dollar scam, the Rasmale and glass tunnel scam, the Chagos scam, and the ‘India Out’ campaign are all part of a broader deception.”
He also accused the administration of halting development projects initiated by the previous MDP government, failing to support private businesses, and neglecting healthcare services.
Shahid said the priority now is for the MDP to win the upcoming council elections.
“We should set aside other matters within the party and focus on the local council elections,” he said. “We are out today to show that the people are saying no to this government.”
The rally comes as internal competition within the MDP begins to emerge, with Nasheed, Solih, and party chairman Fayyaz Ismail all expressing interest in contesting future presidential primaries. Despite this, Shahid urged members to unite around the immediate goal of the council elections.
