Former President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that removing President Mohamed Muizzu from power before the end of his term is an absolute necessity.
Speaking at a rally in Addu City last night to garner support for his bid for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson post following his return to the party, Nasheed declared, "We must change this PNC administration."
"I am stepping forward to take over as party Chairperson, and I seek this role because I believe changing this government is vital. If we reach 2028 without a change in [Muizzu’s] administration, I believe it will result in immense damage to the Maldives," Nasheed said.
"Establishing an MDP government is something we must deliver for the people of the Maldives."
Nasheed, who has previously served as the President of the Maldives as well as the President and Chairperson of the MDP, is contesting the Chairperson position against the Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem.
During last night's rally, Nasheed emphasized that running a political party involves more than just organizing protests and holding meetings.
"It is not an easy task," he remarked.
Nasheed asserted that the MDP is not merely a political party but one of the strongest institutions in the Maldives. He clarified that he is not seeking the post out of a desire for the presidency, but rather because strengthening the party and securing the power to change the government is more critical.
"I have yellow blood in my veins," Nasheed declared, referring to the party's signature color.
He further noted that the MDP must be transformed into a formidable party recognized at a regional level, similar to India’s Congress and BJP. Nasheed appealed to the residents of Addu and the entire Maldives to cast their votes in his favor.
Nasheed said it is time to reflect on how to rebuild the party, determine its future direction, and identify the work required to develop it as an institution. He stressed that the most vital power the MDP must secure is the power to change the government.
"We are not seeking this power by only looking inward or by only speaking to our own members," Nasheed said.
"The most important work is monitoring the actions of our opponents and remaining vigilant. This institution, the MDP, must ask itself what actions are necessary to steer our rivals in the direction we desire."
Reflecting on the 'Green Constitution,' which was born out of public protests during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s regime, Nasheed noted that even then, he did not believe it provided a framework for a perfect democratic system.
"Four presidents have been elected under this system. Yet, 18 years later, all we hear today are complaints. Complaints about the abuse of executive power, the exploitation of state-owned enterprises, and allegations of theft," Nasheed said.
