Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the current political environment in the Maldives allows leaders to operate without fear of intimidation or arrest, marking a significant shift from previous administrations.

Nasheed made the remarks during a Democratic National Assembly meeting held on Tuesday to decide on a resolution to rejoin the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). While the resolution received wide support, some members voiced concern over the MDP’s past performance, questioning whether its efforts had brought meaningful change to the country.

In response, Nasheed argued that the current political stability is a direct result of the work done in recent years by reform-minded politicians. He credited President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for fostering an environment where political leaders can engage freely in public affairs.

Nasheed noted that in the past, governments routinely imprisoned political leaders and senior officials. He highlighted examples including former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, himself, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom, Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim, and former Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim, all of whom were previously detained.

He described the absence of such politically motivated arrests today as a positive development for the country’s democratic progress.