Nasheed says president is ‘ready to fall on his own’
Nasheed argued that support for the President was declining and attributed this to a series of political decisions.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said he does not want to bring about a change of government through street protests, but claimed that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is losing support and could face political difficulties without such action.
Nasheed made the remarks on Tuesday during a campaign event in N. Maafaru as part of his bid for the chairmanship of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Speaking to party members, Nasheed said his decision to contest the chairperson election was not motivated by the party's internal administration alone, but by a broader political objective.
"More than just serving as Chairperson, I am working to bring about a change in government. The chairpersonship is a tool to change the administration," Nasheed said.
According to Nasheed, the remaining question is whether a change of government will occur through the 2028 presidential election or before then.
"I am not someone who particularly wants to overthrow a government through street protests. However, this individual stands ready to fall on his own," he said, referring to President Muizzu.
Nasheed argued that support for the President was declining and attributed this to a series of political decisions.
He claimed that former President Abdulla Yameen, whose support played a role in the 2023 presidential election campaign, had been sidelined after the current administration took office.
Nasheed also referred to former minister Ghassan Maumoon, alleging that agreements made before the election were not honoured after the administration assumed power.
According to Nasheed, such actions have contributed to declining support for the President, including within the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
The former president further alleged that the administration was not focusing sufficiently on public welfare and economic issues. He also accused the government of restricting public freedoms.
"Given the way President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's government is operating, the MDP cannot afford to remain asleep," Nasheed said.
He added that the party should not wait until the 2028 presidential election to pursue its objectives.
Nasheed proposed using local councils controlled by the MDP to promote regional development and improve economic opportunities. He said that if elected chairperson, he would establish a project department within the party to support such initiatives.
The MDP is due to elect a new chairperson later this week, with Nasheed and Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem contesting the position.
