Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concern over the party’s political direction, warning that using religion as a political tool will not strengthen public trust.

In a statement issued today, Nasheed criticised attempts to link development projects to Zionism and promote what he described as baseless claims, saying such rhetoric weakens public debate and undermines the seriousness of national and political issues.

He said the MDP was founded on human rights, freedom of thought and a multiparty democratic system, advocating liberty, justice and equality. However, he warned that the party was increasingly taking on the character of a movement driven by fear of foreigners and exclusionary nationalism, departing from the principles that shaped its identity.

Nasheed cautioned that populist politics built on anger, fear and division could undermine the party’s long-standing values and its vision of an inclusive Maldivian society rooted in Islamic principles and open-mindedness.

His remarks come amid divisions within the MDP over the Government’s proposed USD 20 billion Rasmalé investment project involving UAE-based Eagle Hills. While former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail have opposed the project, Nasheed has not rejected it outright.