Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid has said that oppressive governments will always be defeated, asserting that the current administration is consolidating power in an undemocratic manner.

Speaking at a rally in Naifaru on Saturday, Shahid criticized the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) for exerting excessive control over Parliament. He pointed to the recent constitutional amendment that strips MPs of their seats if they switch parties, arguing that this effectively places parliamentary power in the hands of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

"Every member in Parliament is now under the President’s control. They are merely there to cast votes as instructed. They can continue to humiliate the people, impoverish them, and take power away from them," Shahid said.

He also accused the government of attempting to intimidate MDP members but stated that they underestimated the determination and resilience of the party’s youth.

Shahid emphasized that authoritarian rule has been defeated before and expressed confidence that the current government would face the same fate. He urged party members to remain united and work together to secure victory in the upcoming local council elections.