State Minister of Finance and former Feydhoo MP Mohamed Nihad has said that there is currently no functioning or responsible opposition party in the Maldives.

Speaking on MMTV’s Bodu Khabaru programme, Nihad commented on the current political landscape, saying there is no properly functioning opposition in the country. He said the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which identifies itself as the largest opposition party, is not fulfilling the role of a credible opposition.

According to Nihad, opposition parties are struggling to respond to what he described as the Government’s strong and consistent policies. He said opposition figures appear uncertain about how to position themselves politically and lack clear policy alternatives.

“The reality is that there is no opposition today because of the Government’s strong policies,” Nihad said. “The opposition does not appear active and does not seem to know how to move. I believe they have nothing to present to the public because President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is implementing sound policies. There is no alternative policy to offer against this Government.”

Nihad further said he does not believe the current opposition has the capacity to provide constructive guidance or propose meaningful reforms for the country. As a result, he reiterated his view that the Maldives does not presently have a responsible opposition party playing its expected role within the political system.