The upcoming local council elections may be the last chance for the people to exercise their right to vote, President Mohamed Muizzu's cousin Ahmed Ghalib has warned.

Ghalib, who is contesting the Hulhumale' South constituency on the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ticket urged the people to think about the threat to the country's democratic system.

"In fact, I am pleading with the people that this may be our last chance to vote. This may be our last chance to vote," Ghalib said at a campaign event yesterday evening (February 23).

"When I say this, some people will have questions in their hearts. Let me tell you about Mohamed from our house (referring to President Muizzu). There is no Maldivian citizen under the sky who knows him better than me. I know how he operates," said Muizzu's former aide who worked at the Male' city council and his private residence Dhimyaath.

"We have to say no in the referendum," he added, referring to the proposed merger of the presidential and parliamentary elections which would be put for a vote during the April 4 local council elections.