Gov’t officials intervene to obstruct opposition protest during official hours
Several have expressed concern about the haste in greenlighting this major change to the constitution
MDP took to the streets to protest against the constitutional amendments, on Wednesday
Members of the government have obstructed an opposition protest.
Following the incumbent administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to make hasty changes to the constitution without any consultation with the public, members of the main-opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) poured out onto the street near the People’s Majlis, to protest at noon on Wednesday under the title “in defense of the constitution” and a group of government officials gathered at the region to obstruct the protest and wreaked havoc.
Journalists in the area witnessed the actions of pro-government activists at the scene, shouting obscenities at MDP participants and disrupting their movement with loud noises.
MDP supporters gathered to peacefully express their sentiments under the constitutional right of freedom of expression and protest.
Pro-government supporters attempted to confront them, prompting intervention by the Maldives Police Service (MPS).
Among those from the pro-government group who tried to infiltrate the MDP protest included individuals in high government positions as well. Although the protest was taking place during official government hours, they had left their official duties and were out on the streets to obstruct the MDP protest.
When government officials entered the peaceful protest and tried to create unrest, protestors were quick to take note and criticize their abuse of official authority.
Although MDP protesters attempted to gather near the parliament building, police pushed them back to the main gate of Majeediyya School.
The participants of the peaceful MDP rally held up boards with writings calling to defend the constitution.
Some of the messages on the boards held by protesters included "the People's Majlis is a puppet show", "Maldives' democracy is in danger", "don't handcuff Majlis members".
Members in the MDP Parliamentary Group joined the protest after the Majlis sitting ended.
Among the changes the government proposed to the constitution include making members lose their seats if they change parties, are expelled from a party, or join another party. With the implementation of this change, even independently elected members will lose their seats if they join a party.
Several have expressed concern about the haste in greenlighting this major change to the constitution.
Criticizers have said that the purpose of this change is to bring the entire Majlis under the president’s control and keep the members under government control.
Wednesday’s protesters claimed that this would be the last day the parliament would be seen as a People's Majlis.
