The Elections Commission has sent a letter to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) advising against actions that may churn public unrest.

Speaking at a press conference held on Monday, Chairperson of the main-opposition party Fayyaz Ismail revealed that the MDP had received a letter from EC. Fayyaz said that the MDP received the letter on Monday.

He added that the letter requested the MDP to conduct its affairs within the legal framework. Fayyaz noted that the MDP is already conducting its activities within the legal framework. He also said that they will inquire with the Elections Commission about the reason for sending such a letter to the MDP and whether it was a letter sent only to the MDP or to all political parties active in the Maldives.

In addition to this, Fayyaz said that MDP will not encourage violence or illegal activities at Tuesday’s gathering.

Therefore, he said that there should be no reason to obstruct a gathering held using opportunities provided within the legal framework.

Providing information to RaajjeMV regarding the letter, Elections Commission member Hassan Zakariyya said that the letter sent to the MDP on Monday was not a letter sent to take action. He said that the letter was sent regarding two matters. He said that the letter was sent in connection with comments made about the president at a recent rally held in Kulhudhuffushi in defense of the Constitution and in connection with comments made at an earlier MDP campaign site meeting.

Hassan said that in both instances, some members of the public had shared videos with the EC claiming that encouragement was given in a way that could lead to violence. He also said that the police had brought this to the attention of the EC.