Former President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayoom has accused incumbent President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of displaying what he described as “unrealistic” and increasingly authoritarian characteristics.

Speaking at a town hall rally organized by the People’s National Front (PNF), Yameen said President Muizzu was showing “unrelenting” authoritarian tendencies and questioned his ability to deliver development through local councils. He argued that Muizzu failed to demonstrate such capacity even when his party previously controlled both the government and Parliament.

Yameen criticized the government’s rhetoric ahead of the council elections, calling it uncivilized to threaten communities by suggesting development would be withheld if ruling party candidates were not elected to councils. He said development of islands ultimately depends on the president’s will, regardless of which party controls local councils, and stressed that power over provinces belongs to the people.

He also accused the executive of concentrating state power in the hands of the president, placing responsibility on members of Parliament for failing to protect the interests of citizens. Yameen said this neglect had enabled excessive centralization of authority.

Urging voters to respond, the former president called on the public to prioritize independent candidates in the upcoming elections.