MDP stages "Pickup Rally" in Hulhumalé ahead of planned mass protest

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held a “Pickup Rally” in Hulhumalé on Saturday evening, as part of its preparations for a major protest planned for next month.

According to MDP, the event was organized to mobilize supporters and encourage participation in the upcoming mass demonstration scheduled for October 3. Saturday’s rally saw the participation of several senior MDP leaders, including current and former Members of Parliament.

The rally began at 4:30pm, with pickup trucks driving through key areas of Hulhumalé. Participants used loudspeakers to share messages alleging corruption and theft by the current administration, led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

MDP has accused the government of systematically undermining the country’s constitutional order and has vowed to continue protests until, in their words, “the government is brought back on the right track.”

The decision to launch a series of protests was made during the 26th meeting of the MDP’s 4th National Congress, held on the night of September 2. The party announced that demonstrations will continue in phases starting from October 3, with events to be held in the capital, Malé City and across the country.

MDP, which remains the largest opposition party in the Maldives, has been increasingly vocal in its criticism of the Muizzu administration, stressing that key democratic principles are under threat.