The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has scheduled a gathering to welcome back former President Mohamed Nasheed and members of The Democrats, as well as to celebrate the party's anniversary, for June 23.

The party has announced that the event will take place at 9pm.

The government revealed that Sultan Park's event venue has been arranged for the gathering to welcome The Democrats members back to MDP and to mark MDP's anniversary, following a request for a venue.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib stated that Sultan Park had been handed over to the construction ministry by the Malé City Council for renovation, and therefore the ministry had not rented it out nor established any guidelines for doing so.

Muththalib said that however, since MDP had requested the venue for an event due to lack of alternatives in the congested capital city, they have now decided to provide the Sultan Park event space as requested by the party.

Regarding this, MDP’s Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail had previously stated that they planned to hold the event near the Presidential Palace Mulee'aage if no venue was provided to welcome The Democrats members back and celebrate MDP's anniversary.

Fayyaz said that the decision was made because Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government was obstructing their efforts and no venue had been secured for these celebrations.

Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Heena Waleed defended the government's initial refusal to provide a venue for the event welcoming The Democrats members back to MDP and celebrating the party's anniversary. The government later provided a venue after facing significant criticism over the issue.

MDP has welcomed the decision of former President Mohamed Nasheed and members affiliated with The Democrats Party to rejoin MDP.

Recently, The Democrats held a meeting of their National Assembly and resolved to have their members rejoin MDP. The party has also officially announced this decision.