Former President Mohamed Nasheed has forecasted a major loss for the current administration in the upcoming 2026 local council elections, predicting that the ruling government will secure only 20 percent of the vote.

Speaking at a rally held Monday night at Sultan Park to welcome his return to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), along with former members of The Democrats, Nasheed expressed strong confidence in the MDP's chances in the next election cycle.

He said his biggest hope is for the MDP to win the local council elections and win them by a wide margin, urging the party to reclaim control of the cities, provinces, and island councils across the nation.

He emphasized that the MDP must aim to win the councils of all 194 inhabited islands.

Addressing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu directly, he added

Nasheed has made similar electoral predictions in the past. While some of his forecasts have aligned closely with actual results, others have differed significantly.

His remarks come as the MDP prepares to rebuild and strengthen its grassroots presence following internal divisions and the rejoining of several key members who had previously broken away to form The Democrats.