Police obstruct MDP motorcycle rally held on Friday

Police have obstructed a motorcycle rally organized by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The motorcycle rally commenced on Friday near the MDP campaign center on Chandhanee Magu. From there, the procession traveled through Majeedhee Magu, Ameenee Magu, and the outlying road. Throughout the event, participants made several stops across various locations in Male', where some members addressed the crowd.

Speaking at the event, Male' City Mayor Adam Azim, who is contesting for the mayoral seat on the MDP ticket, urged citizens to exercise careful consideration when casting their votes in the upcoming local council and Women's Development Committee (WDC) elections. Azim stated that the current situation demonstrates a growing public realization that the people do not benefit when any party other than the MDP is in power.

Speaking at the motorcycle rally, former MDP Vice President Mohamed Shifaz stated that engaging in peaceful political activity is a fundamental right of the public. He criticized the current situation, noting that citizens are being deprived of this right today. Shifaz warned that if the proposal to consolidate elections is allowed to proceed, many such undesirable consequences will follow. He further asserted that merging elections provides an opportunity to strip the people of their power.

Former MDP Chairperson and former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Moosa Manik, has stated that the public should not support the government in any vote held after undermining the Constitution. He further noted that any referendum conducted through deceit and by misleading the public would not yield a favorable outcome.