Police approve MDP’s mass October rally amid rising opposition to Muizzu administration

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has officially granted permission for the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to hold a large political gathering on October 3, following a meeting between senior party officials and law enforcement representatives.

The approval came after MDP leaders detailed their plans for the event and assured the police of the peaceful nature of the gathering. Authorities, in turn, pledged full cooperation to maintain security throughout the event.

In preparation for the rally, titled "Lootuvaifi, Lootuvaifi!," MDP has launched an extensive campaign across the capital Malé City and Hulhumalé, putting up posters and banners along major roads and organizing community meetings to mobilize public participation.

The gathering is set against a backdrop of growing dissatisfaction with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, which many critics accuse of steering the country toward autocratic rule. Widespread economic hardship and controversial policies have fueled calls for greater government accountability, with MDP leading efforts to resist what they describe as systematic erosion of the Maldives’ constitutional order.

Parallel to MDP’s large-scale demonstration, a youth-and-journalist-led initiative called the “Full Stop Movement” is organizing a series of activities advocating for the protection of civil rights in the Maldives.

Meanwhile, opposition unity appears to be strengthening. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has also called on all opposition parties to hold the Muizzu administration accountable, while President of the Adhaalath Party Sheikh Imran Abdulla has also expressed readiness to collaborate across political lines to restore democratic governance.

As the October 3 event approaches, tensions remain high, highlighting deep political divisions and mounting pressure on the ruling administration.