President Mohamed Muizzu is a dictator who considers the state's assets as his own property and does not respect the rights of the people, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) former Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has said.

Appearing on Adhadhu's Fenna Nufenna talk show last night (March 16), the former Economic Minister was very critical of the government policies and the way President Muizzu works.

"President Muizzu's actions show he wants to get what he wants, no matter what. Even without shame. The truth is he is a dictator," Fayyaz said.

Muizzu believes that power should be held by force and wants to fill his own pockets, he further alleged.

“If you say yes [to merge the two elections], he will get more power to do whatever he wants,” Fayyaz said.

The former MP and lawyer also said he could not agree on reforms that would limit the powers of the people, such as merging the two elections, when people like Muizzu are in power.

“In a situation where there are good leaders and a good system and the courts are independent, we can think of merging elections,” he said.

"It is not right to leave anything like that before we can clearly experience governments that recognise the rights of the people."

The dangers of rushing constitutional changes

Fayyaz said the constitution should be amended after extensive consultation and deep consideration of the consequences. However, he noted that major changes are now being completed within a day or two using a super majority in parliament.

“This is very scary,” Fayyaz said.

"If the people, for example, say yes to it [to merge the elections], President Muizzu will see that he can play with the constitution as he pleases. That is something I am very concerned about."

There will be no opportunity for accountability by holding the presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day, he added.

Fayyaz believes that the referendum scheduled for April 4 is unconstitutional. One of the main reasons is the lack of awareness work mentioned in the constitution.

"They tried to do this in secret. They didn't give us time to campaign properly," Fayyaz stated.

He further warned that more constitutional changes, including extending the presidential term, will be rushed if people say yes during the referendum.

The PNC leaders have been saying that a five-year term is too short to govern well, he said, adding that "it was not a joke."