Yameen to MDP: Now in a position of accountability; address issues faced by citizens

Following the recent local council elections, former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has called on the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to fulfill its responsibility in holding President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration accountable and addressing the issues faced by the public.

Speaking at a town hall meeting by the People’s National Front (PNF) on Monday night, Yameen stated that despite the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) securing a parliamentary majority in April 2024, the government has failed to undertake meaningful measures to safeguard the rights and interests of citizens.

As such, he underscored that granting the PNC a majority in local councils would further weaken the public. He added that it was on this basis that he had urged voters not to support the ruling party.

Yameen explained that, in the absence of support for the PNC, the principal alternative for voters was the MDP, which fielded the second-highest number of candidates in the elections.

"Today, the [MDP] is in a position of accountability. It is not necessary to be a part of the government to serve the people. Therefore, the public is now looking to see MDP hold this administration accountable for its wrongdoings across all state institutions," Yameen said.

He emphasized that the public has effectively entrusted the MDP with the responsibility of ensuring progress on numerous cases pending at the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Auditor General’s Office, and the judiciary, as well as addressing broader governance challenges arising under the current administration.

"Therefore, I sincerely call upon MDP, on behalf of the people, to resolve these issues," he added.

Yameen also stated that the MDP should refrain from initiating its campaign for the 2028 presidential election without first addressing the pressing issues currently affecting the public.

Notably, during a PNF rally titled “Chagos” held on March 26, Yameen remarked that the time had come to pursue the concept of the ‘Aneh Dhivehi Raajje—a slogan associated with his long-time political rival, former president Mohamed Nasheed. He also expressed his support for all candidates in the council elections, except those representing the PNC.