MDP to hold major protest on March 21 against the referendum!
The MDP National Congress has passed a resolution urging the public to oppose the proposed constitutional amendments, asserting that the changes pave the way for authoritarianism. Condemning the government's attempt to rush the process without adequate time for deliberation, the party has called on citizens to reject the measures by voting "No" in the referendum scheduled to be held alongside the upcoming local council elections.
Protesters at the MDP's Lootuvaifi mass rally organized by the opposition.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to hold a large-scale protest on March 21st against the proposed referendum to decide whether to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on the same date.
The announcement was made by the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, Mauroof Zakir, during a press conference held by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Monday. Zakir stated that the Maldivian people must stand against efforts to steer the country back toward authoritarian rule. He urged citizens to join the MDP’s initiatives and reject the proposal to hold the two elections concurrently.
Zakir stated that the MDP is working extensively to halt the referendum. He announced that campaign activities have been planned across the country, including a major protest scheduled for March 21st to oppose the vote.
Furthermore, during the MDP National Congress meeting held last Friday night, the party decided to oppose the proposal to hold the presidential and parliamentary elections on the same date as the upcoming local council elections.
Notably, members of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) pushed to expedite the passage of the constitutional amendment bill, rather than allowing adequate time and opportunity for thorough review and deliberation.
The MDP has noted that while the government aims to hold the two elections simultaneously, conducting a referendum alongside the local council elections does not provide sufficient time for public information, awareness, or campaigning.
