Nasheed warns MDP against embracing hatred and sectarian politics

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is drifting away from its founding principles by embracing sentiments of hatred towards outsiders and rigid sectarian thinking. In a post on X, Nasheed, who serves as the party's chairperson, said the MDP was once a champion of open policies and democratic reform, living peacefully with people of diverse ideas. He warned that stirring bloodlust with hatred and sectarian thought abandons the party's political identity. Nasheed noted that people who believe elections can be won by creating fear and division are gaining influence within the MDP, and that this strategy will alienate the diverse, independent-minded voters who have supported the party. He cited the party's past slogan "Playing without fear" as an example of promoting original principles that brought tens of thousands of additional votes. He cautioned that promoting false narratives—such as using religion as a political tool or claiming Zionists are ruling the country—will undermine the party's credibility. Although he did not name a specific issue, his remarks appear to reference opposition to a plan to entrust a project under the name "Maldives Vote Front and Marina" to Eagle Hills, a UAE-based company, which some MDP members have also spoken against.