Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stressed that the incumbent administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is headed towards dictatorship.

He said this while speaking at the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Councilor’s Conference on Saturday. The conference was held in Kulhudhuffushi City.

Taking the podium at the conference, the ex-president said that parties like Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) would spread fear if they came to power.

Stressing that when people with these ideologies are in power, the public faces extreme fear, Solih added that even business owners are facing fear today.

He stated that the people are observing a government that is controlling things to an extreme level and centralizing power.

Further, Solih said that the incumbent administration is headed towards an autocratic rule.

The ex-president claimed that they are working to bring all matters under the control of the leader and into the influence of certain individuals.

Further, he stressed that due to this widespread fear, it has become increasingly challenging for opposition parties to operate.

He also stressed that it has also presented several difficulties for opposition parties to prepare for elections.

Solih said it is challenging and difficult for parties to cover their expenses, and that the efforts MDP has kickstarted to generate income for the party would be a good initiative.

Solih also said that this would make the party a place for everyone.

Noting that until now, the party has been following a specific individual, Solih said that the specific individual was also the one who sought the funds necessary to operate the party.

Therefore, he said it has been difficult to do things differently from what that specific leader instructs.