Nasheed: No intention of overthrowing the govt. from the streets, will fall on its own

Former President Mohamed Nasheed, on Tuesday, that while he has no intention of seeking to remove the government through street protests, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu appears “poised to fall on his own accord.”

Speaking at N. Maafaru during a campaign event for Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s chairperson election, Nasheed stressed that his candidacy is not focused solely on overseeing the party’s administrative affairs. Rather, he said his goal is to change the government, describing the position of chairperson as the party’s most effective tool for achieving that objective.

Addressing questions about whether such a political transition is aimed to achieved through 2028 presidential election or earlier, Nasheed said he does not envisage removing the administration through public demonstrations or unrest. However, the former president—who resigned from office in 2012—said that the current administration’s actions are placing it on a path toward its own downfall.

Nasheed attributed President Muizzu’s declining popularity, both within the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) and among the wider public, to what he described as repeated acts of betrayal. He pointed out that although President Muizzu campaigned using the symbolism of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s “empty chair,” he distanced himself from Yameen shortly after taking office. Furthermore, he claimed that despite an understanding with current administration’s first Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon not to pursue the presidential ticket, the President also betrayed him, by dissolving Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) was dissolved and later dismissing him from his post.

"MDP has been under sedated for far too long"

Nasheed further alleged that President Muizzu has become distracted by personal matters rather than focusing on governing the country. He accused the administration of neglecting public welfare and undermining the fundamental freedoms of citizens.

"Given the current direction of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, the MDP can no longer remain asleep. President Muizzu wishes to keep us sedated, and indeed, we have been under this sleep medication for quite some time," Nasheed remarked.

He argued that the party should not wait until 2028 to take action, but should instead utilize MDP-led local councils to advance development across the country. Nasheed also pledged that, if elected chairperson, he would establish a dedicated “Project Department” within the party aimed at directly improving public prosperity, independent of initiatives undertaken by the central government.