Nasheed says govt actions forced his return to politics
Nasheed said one of the developments that influenced his decision to return was the suspension of Thinadhoo Mayor Saud Ali.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed said on Tuesday night that the actions of the current administration led him to return to active politics after previously stepping away from political life and relocating abroad.
Nasheed made the remarks during a campaign rally held in Thinadhoo as part of his campaign for the chairperson position of the Maldivian Democratic Party.
Nasheed resigned as president of the MDP in 2023 following internal disputes within the party and later announced his withdrawal from politics.
In January 2024, he moved to Ghana to take up the post of Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum.
He later rejoined the MDP and returned to political activity during the recent local council elections.
Speaking at the rally, Nasheed said former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail had asked him to return to the Maldives while he was living in Ghana.
According to Nasheed, Fayyaz spent about a week with him there discussing the situation in the Maldives.
Nasheed said one of the developments that influenced his decision to return was the suspension of then Thinadhoo Mayor Saud Ali.
He alleged that the mayor had been suspended for not complying with government directives.
Nasheed stated that the decentralisation system was intended to ensure islands are governed according to the wishes of local residents rather than decisions imposed by the central government.
He said he believed the decentralisation framework was being weakened.
Nasheed also said Thinadhoo had played an important role in the establishment of the MDP and democratic reforms in the Maldives.
According to Nasheed, MDP members in Thinadhoo, including councillors and MPs, had expressed support for the “Major Change” initiative he is pursuing alongside Fayyaz.
He said party members believed the initiative would be more effective under his leadership as MDP chairperson.
“This brings me great satisfaction,” Nasheed said.
“I hope you do not perceive me as being arrogant by agreeing with this sentiment. This is a task I have undertaken alongside all of you.”
Nasheed also referred to remarks by Abdulla Saneef regarding his role in building the party and its political movement.
“It is about changing this administration and bringing an end to this as swiftly as possible. God willing, I will achieve this,” Nasheed said.
