Former President Mohamed Nasheed, the Chairperson of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has expressed concern, stating that the party is drifting away from its founding principles.
Internal divisions have surfaced within the party regarding the government's decision to grant 500 hectares of land from the state-funded Rasmalé reclamation project to the UAE’s Eagle Hills company. Ahead of a National Council meeting scheduled for tonight to determine the party's official stance on the matter, Nasheed posted on X that the MDP has always been an inclusive party dedicated to democratic reform.
However, he noted that the party has recently adopted a rhetoric of hardline nationalism and xenophobia. Nasheed asserted that the MDP’s current trajectory is inconsistent with its original objectives and the values held by its long-standing supporters.
"A growing number within the party seem convinced that electoral success depends on manufacturing populist outrage and mobilising public sentiment through fear and division. Yet this strategy risks undermining the very constituency that has historically sustained the MDP," Nasheed wrote.
He further warned that the departure of educated, open-minded, and liberal thinkers from the MDP would result in a political blow to the party.
Recalling past campaigns such as "Birakaa nulaa majaa kurun" (Fun without fear), Nasheed highlighted how such inclusive movements secured an additional 20,000 votes for the party by ensuring no segment of society was marginalised.
In contrast, Nasheed criticised the current trend of weaponising religion for political gain and spreading baseless narratives, such as "Zionists are taking over the country," to seek political advantage.
Nasheed’s remarks come as a faction within the MDP opposes the government’s decision to allocate a portion of Rasmalé to Eagle Hills. Nasheed clarified that while he supports the partnership with Eagle Hills, he advocates for the process to be conducted with greater transparency than is currently being shown.
The MDP National Council is set to meet tonight to finalise the party's position on the Rasmalé issue. The meeting was convened following a request supported by more than 60 members of the council.
