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Former president Yameen, speaking on PNF townhall meeting held in Fuvahmulah - Photo: PNF

MALÉ: Senior figures in the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) have firmly rejected claims made by former President Abdulla Yameen that a quiet revolution is taking shape inside parliament against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Speaking at a gathering of his party, the People’s National Front (PNF), Yameen asserted that several ruling party lawmakers are deeply dissatisfied with President Muizzu and predicted that the political situation would change soon. Yameen claimed that members involved in safari operations and foreign exchange trading are unhappy with recent government dollar regulations.

Responding to the allegations, PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah strongly dismissed talk of dissention, posting that the parliamentary majority stands “firmly behind President Muizzu as a united front”. Addressing claims of backroom deals and revolt, Falah pushed back against political opponents, stating, “no matter how many evil plans are devised by these fools, they will not succeed, God willing,” while dismissing talk of an internal split as a “huge misconception.”

Similarly, PNC Vice President candidate and Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau stated that no internal revolt is taking place, adding that opposition anxiety stems from rumors surrounding interactions between Yameen and former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Speculation regarding parliament loyalty comes after recent anti-defection amendments were passed into law, which cause MPs to lose their seats if they leave or are expelled from the party under which they were elected. Under Article 100 of the Constitution, a two-thirds majority vote in parliament is required to submit or pass a motion to remove a sitting president from office.

PNC Parliamentary Majority: Ruling party holds 74 out of the total 93 seats in the 20th People’s Majlis.

Yameen previously served as the top leader of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and PNC coalition, with President Muizzu serving as his long-time Cabinet minister and Housing Minister during Yameen’s presidency.

After Yameen was disqualified from contesting the 2023 presidential election due to a prison sentence, the coalition endorsed Muizzu, who went on to win the presidency. However, internal tensions escalated shortly after the election victory, leading Yameen to step down from party leadership and launch his own political party, the PNF, shifting him into active political opposition against his former minister and the party he had initiated.