Nasheed: We too have made mistakes, but have united because there is no other choice

Former president Mohamed Nasheed stated that he, along with former presidents Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, acknowledges that their respective administrations were not without shortcomings, adding they chose to unite because they can no longer remain as observers to the country’s current situation.

Following their joint meeting convened in opposition to the incumbent administration, the three leaders addressed the media and openly acknowledged that their terms in office did not always reflect the highest standards of governance. Citing that those shortcomings are not irreversible, the former leaders noted that they can, however, be addressed moving forward.

Speaking at the press conference, Nasheed said mistakes were made during the administrations of all three leaders. Despite this, he emphasized that they have now come together in the interest of the nation, arguing that the current circumstances require active intervention rather than silence or inaction. Both Yameen and Solih both expressed their support for Nasheed’s remarks.

The development is being viewed as both historic and politically significant, marking the first time Yameen has engaged in formal consultations and coordinated efforts with the two former MDP presidents. As the three most influential political figures in the Maldives today, their alliance represents a major shift in the country’s political landscape.

While this specific partnership is unprecedented, such political realignments are not entirely unprecedented in the Maldives, where opposition figures have historically united against incumbent administrations. Similar broad coalitions were previously formed against President Nasheed’s government, as well as against President Yameen’s own administration, which notably included his half-brother, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom.