Fazna’s ‘LOL’ reaction to Nasheed’s warning on protests underscores the role of ordinary members in MDP’s election win

Former First Lady Fazna Ahmed has responded to former President Mohamed Nasheed’s call for the government to come to the negotiating table.

Fazna reacted on social media with a “LOL” post after Nasheed, speaking at an MDP protest on Tuesday evening, warned the government that the party would escalate its activities if dialogue is refused.

Speaking at the rally, Nasheed said the country’s economy is in a fragile state and that President Mohamed Muizzu has lost the trust of the people. He reiterated that changes are needed to the Constitution and the governance structure of Maldives, and said protests would spread across the country if the government does not agree to sit for talks.

Responding to Nasheed’s remarks, Fazna said the MDP had continued to work actively on the ground through demonstrations, workshops and awareness programmes despite its defeat in the 2023 presidential election and the 2024 parliamentary election.

Fazna also noted that the MDP’s recent local council election victory was the result of the courageous and persistent work of its ordinary members in the practical political arena.

She described the outcome as the product of the party’s grassroots efforts rather than the calls of individuals.

Nasheed has repeatedly called on the government to come to the negotiating table. The President has responded by saying that consulting with the opposition is against the mandate given to him by the people.

Therefore, President Muizzu has explicitly refused to come to the negotiating table.