Former President Abdulla Yameen has urged the people to vote no to the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) candidates in the April 4 local council elections.

At a rally held by his People's National Front (PNF) at the Artificial Beach in Male' on Thursday night (March 26), Yameen said the people did not benefit from giving the government control and parliament majority to the same party.

"The PNC has got the government. The PNC has the parliament. But the people's lives became worse. The people have not made progress. They are still in slavery. So why give the councils to the PNC again?" Yameen said.

Yameen said the last chance to hold the government accountable before the 2028 presidential election is the council election.

"If the people want to choose people's power for themselves and hold this government accountable, the last and biggest opportunity before the presidential election is this council election. Say no in this council election. Say no to the PNC," he urged.

The lesson taught by the PNC will never be forgotten by the people, he said, adding that what is being seen is that the people have been made into beggars after they lovingly chose to bring the PNC to power.

Yameen said he supports the PNF candidates and independent candidates in the council elections, along with all other candidates except the PNC candidates.

The former President has also called on the people to vote no in the referendum to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections.