We must say no to referendum because Muizzu is attempting to establish an authoritarian regime, acting like Kim Jong Un in a North Korean style: Ameer

Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has stated that the public must reject the referendum on synchronizing elections to prevent the Maldives from sliding into an authoritarian regime and to signal that citizens do not wish to see President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu remain in power for 40 years.

Ameer made these remarks while speaking at a "pickup rally" organized by the opposition MDP.

Ameer stated that the public must deliver a resounding "no" to the current administration in the upcoming local council elections. Highlighting that the government came to power through extensive falsehoods and scams, Ameer noted that as the administration nears its two-and-a-half-year mark, development projects have come to a standstill across all islands. He further remarked that from Thuraakunu to Addu Atoll, the reality is one of total stagnation. Ameer added that the economy has completely slumped, leading to the bankruptcy of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Speaking on government expenditure, Ameer stated that the current trend involves increasing recruitment and granting promotions solely for political purposes. However, he expressed certainty that following April 4th, the government will begin terminating employees and reversing current promotions and salary increments under the guise of cost-cutting measures. Ameer further noted that the only way to secure a better future for the Maldives is by sending a strong message to the government through the local council elections.

Furthermore, the point I wish to emphasize is that our opposition to this administration is not rooted in partisan bias. We are not simply opposing it because it is not an MDP government or because an individual named Muizzu from Maafannu is in power. Our consistent stance has always been that the governance of this country must be conducted with justice and equity, ensuring the development of all islands across the Maldives. As I noted earlier, if we were to grade this administration’s performance over the past two and a half years, they would fail to achieve even a passing mark. Therefore, we must decisively reject this government.

Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer

Stating that the Maldives must be governed in a manner that ensures fair development for all islands, Ameer remarked that this administration has become the fastest in Maldivian history to lose public confidence. He further alleged that the government's attempt to consolidate all elections is a move to remain in power for 30 or 40 years, drawing parallels to the tactics used by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

In the history of the Maldives, there has never been a president who has lost the public's favor as rapidly as the current leader. This administration has faced unprecedented disillusionment in record time. Consequently, the government is seeking alternative means to remain in power, which is why they are pushing to consolidate all elections. They intend to merge these elections to maintain their grip on the country, seemingly aspiring to rule for thirty or forty years in the style of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. However, I must emphasize that the MDP, all citizens opposed to this government, and even many supporters within the PNC, are not prepared to let this country slide into an autocracy. The people will not stand by and allow President Muizzu to remain in power for forty or fifty years through such maneuvers.

Former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer

Ameer further stated that, beyond the MDP, opposition supporters and general members of the PNC alike would not want to see the Maldives slide into authoritarianism or allow President Muizzu to remain in power for many years. Therefore, to safeguard the country's democracy, Ameer emphasized the necessity of a resounding "no" vote in the referendum concerning the synchronization of elections.

Criticizing the administration's direction, Ameer described the government's policies as aimless, likening them to a "headless chicken." Ameer concluded his remarks by stating that the public must reject these thoughtless policies to safeguard the future of the Maldives.