From "democracy hero" to "dead horse": Nasheed's comeback bid divides young voters

The announcement immediately dominated social media discourse. Supporters began campaigning under the #Anni2028 hashtag, highlighting achievements from his three-year tenure, while detractors dismissed his chances and questioned his motives. 

Hoping to capture this range of public opinion, we asked a dozen young people for their views. It is admittedly not a scientific poll, but the informal survey revealed skepticism about his current political relevance. Even previous supporters voiced concerns about his political decisions, party loyalty, and policy positions – particularly regarding Palestine.

The conversations suggest Nasheed faces an uphill battle to convince voters that he remains the transformative leader they once believed in, rather than another politician clinging to past glory.

"All these former politicians and the old people need to step back. We need younger people with innovative policies and ideas. To be honest I don't know who that is. But either way, this time I am not going to do a lesser evil tick. If it comes to that I am not voting." – 20-year-old business student.

"His ass needs to stop beating that dead horse and retire. Man has not contributed anything meaningful to Maldivian politics in more than a decade. I remember a time when people genuinely believed in him and I think he genuinely wanted to build a better world for us (in his own little beyfulhi [aristocratic] liberal way), but his downfall has been crazy from when he was in office. Especially the last presidency when they could have fixed so many things from [former president Abdulla Yameen's] era. Completely focused on building a power base and alienated half his party while doing so. That's partly why [incumbent President Dr Mohamed] Muizzu is laughing in our faces right now." – 24-year-old woman.

"I don't know. I was not here the last time he was president. Personally from what I have heard he had the power to bring people together and I don't think he is that guy any more. I think these people need to step back now. We need new blood and fresh ideas." – 30-year-old international security graduate.

"Honestly, I've given up on the whole party system. It's just recycled corruption in different colours. We elect one guy to get rid of the last disaster...Wasn't that the whole point of Anni back then too? And now he wants to come back? I don't even think he's that popular anymore. It's just a bunch of bad options on repeat." – 24-year-old woman.

"I have mixed feelings about him now. But if he was running, I might end up voting for him. I think in terms of policy, he definitely has an edge – or at least used to. The Democrats' plan for Malé last time could actually make Malé a livable city. But does the Democrats have the popular support? Obviously, I think Anni still has a fan base with the whole democracy hero, but it has also been damaged now." – 35-year-old climate activist.

"I honestly feel good that he’s out to contest in the upcoming election. Not a doubt that it was in his administration that we saw decentralisation agenda was championed – through province offices, we saw large scale PSIP [public sector investment programme] projects being managed in regional level. Desks of central ministries were also stationed in province level. He 'seems' pretty down to common man’s level, and stashing the barrier between verin [leaders] and aanmu meehun [regular people]." – Ibrahim Mohamed from Kulhudhuffushi. 

"I dont know, I'm very conflicted on this. He has his issues yes, but who else is there? I honestly don't want any of these candidates. My brain is still like, where is my female president? I don't like his views on Palestine, he is very centrist and silly, very stubborn and headstrong, but yes he did fight for our freedoms, in his way of cosplaying like an aammu rayyithu meehaa [ordinary citizen]." – 31-year-old woman.

"The biggest question I have is – whose ticket is he even coming back with? As someone who used to really believe in him, I'm confused. This isn't 2008 anymore, and right now MDP [main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party] feels like choosing between the least worst option. Nasheed's announcement has people talking, sure, but is he really going to regain the kind of support he once had? And what will MDP even look like by 2028?" – 26-year-old man.

"I won't vote for him. His first term was very good but I don't think he is a man who stands by his principles and values anymore. The way he handled the rift with [former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih] wasn't right. I think he is one of the reasons we are stuck with the current government." – 37-year-old entrepreneur. 

"He has always had the power to bring people together. He can read the room and understand what people want to hear. He is great for that. Recent events make me question whether he can lead the country. During the election he chose his personal motives over the good of the nation." – 31-year-old development consultant.

"I recognise him as someone who was instrumental in our country's struggle for democracy. I also recognise that he was not allowed the five year presidential term he was elected for. However, I vehemently disagree with his stance on diplomatic relations with Israel. At this time, with the genocide that is happening in Palestine, that alone is enough for me to not vote for him. Nothing else is more important than that for me." – Aiman Latheef, 30-year-old man.

"I don't know if it's a good idea or not. But there isn't enough support if he is running with the Democrats. With MDP, maybe he has a chance, but even then I don't think he can win the popular vote on his own. This also depends on who he is pitted against. If it is Muizzu and Anni, people don't have a real choice." – 30-year-old lawyer.