"We are not the opposition, the government is," says former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Speaking at an opposition rally at Maafannu Kunooz on Wednesday night, the former President emphasized that it is the government "that is against the people".

"The opposition is concerned over the success in our work," said Maumoon.

He also noted that there is no room for a free and fair election with the current Elections Commission, and that "there is no point in participating in an election" while knowing this.

"Can only participate in the election after we are guaranteed of a free and fair election. Otherwise it will be useless," he added.

The former President, who ran the nation for 30 years, also noted that the success of their reform work has forced the government to "retract to its real potential".

Furthermore, Maumoon said that the current administration is seen violating the Maldivian constitution and laws "every day", highlighting that "a president does not have the authority to give orders that are against the Constitution".

Maumoon, has been in a public dispute with his half-brother, incumbent President Abdulla Yameen since June 2016, over the leadership of the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). While Maumoon is the elected leader of the party, it is currently being run by President Yameen, following a Civil Court ruling. He officially withdrew support for the government in October 2016.