Maumoon is trying to come back to presidency: Nasheed

Former president Mohamed Nasheed has said that former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is trying to create a feud between his brother Abdulla Yameen and brother-in-law Ilyas Ibrahim, and that Maumoon’s goal is to come to power in the guise of bringing “solidarity”.

Nasheed spoke at a rally held by his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) at an area near Usfasgandu last night. MDP was unable to hold its meeting in its usual venue Usfasgandu, as the police had taken over the area yesterday.

Speaking at the rally, Nasheed said that Maumoon has deceived Yameen by saying that he will not stand for reelection for as long as 15 years.

“Even though I am younger, my years in politics are not less than Maumoon’s. It is very clear to us what Maumoon is trying to do. To create a feud between Ilyas and Yameen and say that everything is spoiled, and then take the hand of solidarity and then go forward,” said Nasheed.

He said that president Maumoon has held on to this “solidarity” for a long time now and that he will defeat Maumoon if he chooses to compete in the upcoming elections. He also said that unlike last time, where he had to defeat Maumoon on the second round of elections, Maumoon will be defeated in the first round.

A large number of MDP supporters joined the rally last night. They protested against the police taking over Usfasgandu area, but not much disorder was seen.

Civil Court has issued a ruling on the 20th of this month ordering the Male’ City Council to hand over Usfasgandu area to the Housing Ministry, stating that the council is utilizing the land in violation of Government Land Use Plan.

Upon the council’s appeal of the Civil Court ruling, High Court has issued an order ordering the area be kept under police authority until the court makes a decision. Police have said that as long as the court order is in place, they will not allow MDP to hold political activities in Usfasgandu area.