PNF Senate passes resolution supporting alliance of Yameen, Nasheed and Solih

The Senate of former President Abdulla Yameen’s political party PNF on Thursday signed a resolution supporting the decision of the three former presidents to work together, and pledged full cooperation with their joint initiative.

According to the resolution, the party believes the government has conspired to influence members of parliament elected by the people and to undermine the independence of the judiciary and state institutions.

The resolution calls on the President to respect the Constitution, international treaties, and the fundamental rights guaranteed to the public. It further alleges that President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has openly violated the security and protections afforded to citizens.

The resolution states that the economy has weakened, private businesses and economic activity have declined, commodity prices have risen, living standards have deteriorated, waste within the government has increased, and development projects have stalled.

It also alleges that corruption and theft have increased across various state institutions since the current administration took office, and that none of these cases are being investigated by the relevant authorities, resulting in a breakdown of the rule of law.

The resolution noted the police raid on the office of an online news outlet, the arrest of two of its journalists; Mohamed Shahzan and Leevan Ali Nasir, and the arrest of several individuals during protests calling for their release.

It states that the freedoms of assembly and expression have been violated, and that democratic norms earned over many years have been eroded, causing the public to lose trust in the government.

The resolution was moved by PNF Senator and lawyer Ali Shah at Thursday’s Senate meeting.

With the signatures of all senators present, the resolution was passed.

The opposition MDP National Assembly also passed a resolution on Tuesday pledging full cooperation with the three former presidents.

Former presidents Yameen, Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met last week and agreed to work together, alleging that the current government is violating basic rights and influencing the judiciary and parliament.

They said the purpose of their agreement is to “put the country back on track,” claiming that the independence of state institutions is being lost and democratic principles are being eroded. They also said the government has failed to address internal issues within the administration.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting last Friday night, Yameen said the government is creating serious obstacles to press freedom, claiming that two journalists have already been jailed under a gag order and two others are facing trial.

Yameen added that, as three individuals who have worked in politics for the past 20 years, they have a responsibility to safeguard the interests of the country.

He further said that apart from the main opposition MDP, no other party is taking to the streets to defend the rights of the people, and that the right to freedom of expression is being violated.