Separation of Powers Eroding as Government Embraces Authoritarianism: Yameen
12 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 07:40Former President Yameen has accused President Muizzu of violating the Constitution and assuming control over independent institutions to establish an authoritarian regime. Contending that systemic corruption and the failure of state bodies necessitate political intervention, Yameen called on political figures to take action to hold the government accountable.
Scenes from the "Fehi Signal" rally held by former President Abdulla Yameen's PNF. | Raajje MV
Former President Abdulla Yameen has stated that the constitutional stability and the established system of separation of powers are being dismantled. He further asserted that President Muizzu is consolidating power within his own hands, and that the current administration has already transitioned into an autocracy.
Speaking at the People's National Front (PNF) rally titled "Fehi Signal" on Thursday night, former President Yameen stated that when a head of government seeks a second term, their strategy often involves politicizing the Elections Commission. He noted that while the Constitution was established to ensure the Elections Commission remains a free and independent institution, President Muizzu has now consolidated power to ensure the commission is led by his own appointee.
Noting that corruption is the issue that sparks the most public outrage, President Yameen stated that while the citizens remain in a state of vulnerability, the wealthy continue to amass riches, and those with the right connections are acquiring land at an unprecedented scale.
President Yameen has stated that President Muizzu is the first leader to have disregarded the Constitution since its ratification and implementation in 2008.
The issue of corruption is now coming to the forefront, but the question remains: how can this be investigated? The legal framework has been completely overhauled so that the President now appoints the Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission. When things reach this stage, political figures must stand up because the institutions established to act as checks and balances are failing to exercise their power. These institutions have become incompetent and are failing to fulfill their mandates. We have reached a point where a full-blown dictatorship is emerging, and as a result, the role of political activists is becoming critical once again.Abdulla Yameen
President Yameen stated that state institutions have now failed. He emphasized that as President Muizzu continues to consolidate power, political figures must step forward to bring the government back on track, despite their disillusionment.
