During the presidential election campaign, President Mohamed Muizzu insisted that former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration was not tyrannical and claimed that he did not believe opposition political leaders at the time were arrested unlawfully or without cause.
Muizzu, who was then serving as the Mayor of Male' City, made these remarks on Adhadhu’s "Etherefuh" program when questioned whether he viewed Yameen as a leader who committed tyrannical or illegal acts.
"I do not believe that. He ensured the rule of law. He did not do a single thing outside the boundaries of the Constitution and the laws," he said.
Muizzu, who served as Housing Minister during Yameen’s presidency, further claimed that no individual was arrested for political reasons or simply for being a politician. He maintained that all legal actions were taken through established procedures and due process.
"No action was taken against anyone except through the established procedures by relevant authorities for crimes committed. Those who faced such measures and those connected to them may speak otherwise. But upon review, it is clear he governed legally within established procedures," Muizzu said in Yameen's defense.
However, this narrative shifted on the night of May 14. Muizzu referred to Yameen during a gathering at the People's National Congress (PNC) headquarters: "We have seen days when politicians were jailed for their remarks."
"Even if there was development, the country was filled with corruption and tyranny. All political figures were in jail—that is an undeniable reality. Everyone’s track record is clearly on display. These are not things that can be undone. We cannot go back. These are not things that can be buried. It is the clear truth. Who can you deceive by saying 'no, it didn't happen'? You cannot even deceive yourself about these things."
Given this drastic shift in rhetoric, it is important to revisit some of Muizzu’s previous statements.
August 8, 2023
"Even though I stand here, this position belongs to our beloved President, President Yameen. For all of us, all citizens, members of both parties, and all who love this country, the candidate is President Yameen. The presidential ticket was first given to him. He is the President of the Maldivians. He is the leader we want to lead this nation. However, due to the tyranny of this government [Solih’s administration], he is in jail. It has been nearly a thousand days now. This is the height of tyranny. We have worked at various levels. The leadership of both parties and all members are working tirelessly, yet he was not released, and ultimately, his rights were denied in the candidacy case."
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"When the people give us the opportunity, we will move forward with President Yameen’s vision for development and under his guidance. We make these development pledges knowing how to deliver them. With the assurance that they can be achieved, and with the guidance, advice, and full involvement of President Yameen, we will bring development over the next five years, God willing."
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"Our primary responsibility and our top priority, with your help, is to win this election, ensure justice for President Yameen, and establish a day where he is free and standing with us. God willing, we will proceed with that from the very first day."
August 10, 2023
"With President Yameen in prison, I feel a very deep emotion. I even met him in court. In those moments, we felt his love for this country."
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"A very noble and great responsibility has been entrusted to me. First of all, I thank President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom from the bottom of my heart for trusting me. In reality, our presidential candidate is him. The presidential candidate of the Maldivian people is President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom."
August 12, 2023
"What I learned from President Yameen is that if he says he will do something, he delivers. He often used me as an intermediary to get things done, especially in infrastructure development. Therefore, we all learned from him how to serve the people with honesty and sincerity. None of these things I have said were just to get a vote. No one will ever see a discrepancy between my words and my actions. Therefore, I ask the people to decide."
August 14, 2023
"We must recognize the sacrifice President Yameen is making for this country. To free him, we must unite with a national mindset in the election on September 9. God willing, freeing him will be our top priority. God willing, our first achievement within legal bounds will be his release."
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August 17, 2023
"President Yameen has been unjustly imprisoned for 1,005 days now. Therefore, our most important resolve is to work together with one mind to win the upcoming presidential election and succeed in freeing him. I want to tell you again, as I said last night, that the first thing I will achieve with the greatest joy, within legal bounds, is bringing him back to us free. Yes, God willing, we will achieve that."
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"No one coming from President Yameen’s side will talk about something that cannot be done. We saw during his presidency that he fulfilled every promise he made. Therefore, we will speak with sincerity and honesty. God willing, we can explain how it will be done. We can plan it, achieve it, and produce results. The government we establish will be one that delivers results and truly does what the people want."
September 6, 2023
"God willing, the greatest joy I will receive is freeing our President Yameen through legal means." --- Muizzu
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These documented statements clearly illustrate the shifts in rhetoric based on political interests and circumstances. During the presidential campaign, Muizzu’s promises to govern with the vision and advice of President Yameen—whom he described as "honest, sincere, and a lawful ruler"—have now been relegated to history.
The tone of the fiery speeches delivered in front of an empty chair, claiming "no one will see a discrepancy between my words and actions," has changed completely upon gaining power. Today, the admission that Yameen’s rule was one of "corruption and tyranny" stands as a bitter testament to the shifting nature of political reality.
It is now undeniable that all of Muizzu’s past rhetoric was only a means to secure votes.
