MDP urges authorities not to obstruct upcoming mass rally

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on law enforcement authorities not to obstruct its planned mass rally scheduled for the evening of Friday, October 3, at Artificial Beach. The party’s statement follows a warning issued by the Maldives Police Service (MPS), which MDP has described as being based on baseless and politically motivated allegations.

In a press release issued Wednesday, MDP reaffirmed that the October 3 gathering is a peaceful political demonstration and stated that all preparations have been made in accordance with legal requirements. The party emphasized that it had formally communicated the rally's planned route and logistics to the police on September 28 and has made no subsequent changes to that route.

MDP strongly condemned what it described as deliberate efforts by the government of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to destabilize the peaceful rally. The party accused the administration of orchestrating attempts to incite unrest in the capital, Malé City by mobilizing criminal elements. According to MDP, when these concerns were raised with the police institution, authorities instead shifted blame onto the party itself.

Calling for accountability, MDP urged the police to take action against the groups allegedly being funded by the government to disrupt the rally and cause damage to public property. The party also demanded that the police ensure the safety and security of rally participants and uphold the constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful assembly.

MDP criticized what it views as the politicization of state institutions, asserting that the police force is no longer acting independently but instead following the directives of the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC). The party expressed deep concern that law enforcement appears to be operating under political influence, undermining its responsibility to protect democratic freedoms.

According to MDP, the rally is being held to highlight the severe challenges facing Maldivian citizens under the current administration. The party cited the deteriorating economy, lack of access to healthcare, erosion of parliamentary independence, and the undermining of the judiciary and independent institutions as key grievances that have prompted the protest.

The statement concluded by condemning the government's alleged use of state machinery to obstruct legitimate political expression and called on the police to respect their legal obligations rather than act as an extension of the ruling party.