Nasheed says Maldivians prefer change and are wary of second presidential terms
Nasheed said the MDP's defeat in the presidential election was largely linked to the decision by then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to seek re-election.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that Maldivians have consistently favoured changing governments since the adoption of the 2008 Constitution, adding that many voters are reluctant to grant presidents a second term in office.
Nasheed made the remarks on Monday during a campaign visit to HA. Muraidhoo as part of his bid for the chairpersonship of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The MDP chairperson election is scheduled to take place on June 12. During his campaign travels, Nasheed has frequently been questioned by party members about the factors that led to divisions within the party ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
Addressing the issue, Nasheed said the MDP's defeat in the presidential election was largely linked to the decision by then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to seek re-election.
According to Nasheed, the party would have found it easier to secure victory had it contested with a different candidate.
Speaking to party members in Muraidhoo, Nasheed said Maldivian voters have historically shown a preference for political change following a single presidential term.
“Maldivians always want to change the government. Since 2008, we have seen exclusively single-term presidencies. There is an underlying fear among us that if a single individual secures a second term, the likelihood of them running an authoritarian regime increases,” he said.
Nasheed argued that this sentiment was a key factor behind the outcome of the 2023 election.
He also commented on future presidential contests, saying it would be in the ruling PNC's interest to field a new candidate rather than seeking a second term for President Mohamed Muizzu.
However, Nasheed added that such a move would make the electoral challenge more difficult for the MDP.
“It is better for me if Dr. Muizzu contests. If another individual steps up to contest, then we in the MDP will have to be somewhat concerned,” he said.
Nasheed further stated that he would like to see younger generations take on greater leadership responsibilities in government and politics.
During the campaign event, he also praised former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, who has been campaigning alongside him in the chairperson election.
Nasheed said efforts led by himself and Fayyaz to pursue constitutional and governance reforms are intended to expand opportunities for political participation.
“The ultimate goal of the work we are doing is to ensure that the hope of governance, the desire to serve the public, and that very opportunity do not remain exclusive to specific families or a certain group of people, but instead become an open opportunity for every single citizen,” he said.
Nasheed is contesting the MDP chairperson election against Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem.
