Political alliances are ‘icing on top’, says Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that cooperation between the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and other opposition parties plays a supporting role in efforts to challenge the government, arguing that the MDP remains the main force behind political change.

Nasheed made the remarks during a meeting with MDP members in Gdh. Faresmaathodaa on Sunday as part of his campaign for the party's chairperson election.

The comments come as Nasheed, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former President Abdulla Yameen have been working alongside one another in various opposition activities and electoral campaigns.

Addressing party members, Nasheed said the first step towards achieving political change was securing support in the upcoming MDP chairperson election.

Referring to the MDP's victory in Saturday's Hithadhoo North parliamentary by-election, Nasheed said the party had now recorded three successive electoral victories over the government.

He argued that these results were primarily driven by the MDP's own membership rather than by alliances with other political parties.

"To sustain this momentum, our Yellow Army needs to be strong. Defeating this government will not be very difficult if we continue in this manner," Nasheed said.

"Do not believe that this can be achieved simply by joining with this group or that group, or by seeking assistance from other parties. The force behind this is the Yellow Army. We bring others close to us to put the icing on top, but it is the MDP that must drive the engine."

Nasheed also called on former MDP members in Faresmaathodaa to rejoin the party and support its political activities.

He said the island had played an important role in the country's political history and recalled opposition movements that took place there between 2005 and 2008.

According to Nasheed, those efforts demonstrated public resistance to political pressure and contributed to wider political change in the Maldives.

He urged senior party members to share their experiences with younger generations and encourage them to participate in political activities.

Nasheed further said the MDP needed to rebuild its strength at the grassroots level if it was to continue challenging the government.

"If it does not happen here, it will not happen anywhere else. Activities must increase, and people must come forward," he said.

Nasheed pledged to continue visiting the island as part of his campaign and said residents of Faresmaathodaa could play a significant role in future political developments.

The MDP is currently holding an internal election to choose its next chairperson, with Nasheed among the candidates seeking the post.