Former President Abdulla Yameen has criticized the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), saying the country's main opposition party has failed to fulfill its responsibility of holding the government accountable.

Yameen made the remarks during a recent meeting of the People's National Front (PNF) held at his residence, shortly after an announcement that three former presidents would work together to strengthen government accountability.

His comments also came in response to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's recent assertion that the Maldives currently lacks a genuine opposition party.

According to Yameen, President Dr. Muizzu's remarks were directed at MDP.

He argued that while the PNF continues to perform the role of an opposition party, the MDP has been unable to mount an effective challenge to the current administration.

Yameen also said the MDP has lost the identity it once held as an opposition movement.

He argued that the party no longer engages in activities such as organizing street demonstrations or visiting state institutions to demand accountability.

He added that the PNF has never based its political strategy on street protests, maintaining that the party instead focuses on intellectual discourse and policy discussions.

The former president also took an indirect swipe at MDP Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed by referencing statements made during the campaign for the MDP chairmanship.

He said campaign promises suggested President Dr. Muizzu would be politically sidelined once the new leadership took office, but questioned whether those expectations had materialized.

Yameen's comments have drawn criticism from supporters of the MDP leadership, with many expressing their disagreement on social media and other public platforms.

The remarks have further fueled political debate over the effectiveness of the opposition and its role in scrutinizing the government.