Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid stated that the current government must be ready to face any political strategy aimed at unseating them, emphasizing that the focus should be on building a better future.

He accused the current administration of expanding political positions while attempting to weaken local councils.

Speaking at a rally in Fuvahmulah, Shahid, who also served as Foreign Minister during the MDP government criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration for its failure to cut public spending, noting that while reforming the Decentralization Act to reduce council size in the name of decreasing expenditure, the government has been appointing more deputy and state ministers.

Shahid claimed that the administration is setting the stage to disempower local bodies ahead of the 2026 local council elections. 

Shahid also took a jab at Dr. Muizzu, accusing the leader of the government of discrediting councils and diverting public trust.

In a nod to recent political developments, Shahid welcomed the return of former President Mohamed Nasheed and the Democrats to the MDP fold, saying it’s time to move forward. 

On former President Mohamed Nasheed and the Democrats dissolving the party and rejoining the MDP, Shahid said it was time to leave the past behind and move forward and that this was a step towards the right direction. 

The MDP President Abdulla Shahid and a team of party senior officials have visited Fuvahmulah to discuss the party’s activities with the members in the island. 

The trip also includes preparations for the upcoming local council elections.