We will slash support for govt to 5%, says Nasheed

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has claimed that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's administration has suffered three successive political setbacks and predicted a further decline in public support for the government.

Nasheed made the remarks during a campaign rally in GDh. Thinadhoo on Sunday night as part of his campaign for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson election scheduled for Friday.

Addressing supporters, Nasheed argued that recent electoral results reflected a loss of support for the government. Referring to the local council elections, a national referendum and the Hithadhoo North parliamentary by-election, he said the administration had been defeated on three occasions.

"President Muizzu has lost three times," Nasheed said. "They lost in the local council elections, they lost in the referendum, and they lost in the Hithadhoo North by-election."

He also criticised the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) for describing the Hithadhoo North by-election result as a success despite losing the seat to the opposition.

Nasheed said he believes the MDP can win the 2028 presidential election and argued that the party's focus should be on increasing household incomes.

According to Nasheed, economic progress should be measured by the income and wealth of citizens rather than by infrastructure projects alone.

He said an MDP-led administration would establish a project office to work with local councils to identify development opportunities aimed at increasing incomes.

"The objective will be to assess household income and work towards increasing it. Projects will be designed to achieve that goal," he said.

Nasheed also addressed the country's debt situation, arguing that national debt should not be repaid through measures that reduce household income.

He said the government's approach should focus on expanding economic activity and broadening the tax base rather than increasing the financial burden on citizens.

"We must become prosperous to settle our debts, not impoverished," he said.

During the rally, Nasheed described the upcoming MDP chairperson election as part of a broader effort to prepare the party for future political challenges. He said the MDP remained the main political force capable of leading change in the country.

Nasheed also called on younger Maldivians to study the country's recent political history and understand the struggles that led to the expansion of political rights and freedoms.

Referring to arrests linked to political demonstrations, Nasheed warned against action against individuals participating in peaceful political activities, stating that freedom of assembly and expression should be protected.

He concluded by urging party members to unite behind the MDP and work towards securing the support required to win the next presidential election.