Nasheed claims President Muizzu lacks support within PNC

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has claimed that President Mohamed Muizzu no longer enjoys significant support within the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) and said a victory in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson election would weaken the President's political position.

Nasheed made the remarks on Wednesday night during a live programme on Sangu TV titled Hello Anni, where he answered questions from audience members and callers.

During the programme, an audience member asked Nasheed about an earlier statement in which he said he would "stay home in a sarong" if he lost the MDP chairperson election.

Responding to the question, Nasheed said democratic politics requires those who lose elections to accept the result and step aside. He added that he referred to a sarong because it is what he normally wears while at home.

However, Nasheed said he was confident of winning Friday's internal party election.

"By the grace of God, I am now very certain that I will not have to stay home in a sarong," he said.

Nasheed went on to argue that President Muizzu, rather than himself, would face political consequences following the election.

He also claimed that his main challenge in the contest was not his opponent, Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem, but the President and the ruling party.

"The efforts being put in by the PNC to ensure I lose this election far outweigh the efforts of my formal opponent. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and the PNC are deeply involved in this matter," Nasheed said.

According to Nasheed, a victory in the chairperson election would represent a setback for the ruling party.

During the programme, he also criticised President Muizzu's political record and alleged that the President had fallen out with individuals who had supported his rise within the PNC.

Nasheed referred to former PNC Vice President Ghassan Maumoon and former President Abdulla Yameen while discussing the President's political career.

He further claimed that President Muizzu's support within the ruling party had declined.

"I do not believe Dr Mohamed Muizzu has any remaining support within the PNC either. I anticipate that it is even possible for him to be removed during their party congress," Nasheed said.

The MDP chairperson election is scheduled to take place on Friday, with Nasheed and Meekail contesting for the post.