The only policy this administration adopts ahead of elections is to threaten and harass the opposition: Fayyaz
Fayyaz has expressed concern over the decision to seek charges against four party members, including Mauroof , following the "Lootuvaifi" protest, describing the move as an act of political intimidation. Police forwarded the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office alleging that the individuals participated in an unlawful assembly and obstructed both traffic and police duties. The MDP has characterized these legal actions as an attempt to suppress opposition activities, noting that the charges come shortly after the party announced plans for a major demonstration scheduled for this coming March.
Former Chairperson of the MDP, Fayyaz Ismail. | MDP Secretariat | MDP Secretariat
Former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail has stated that the only policy President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration employs ahead of every election is the intimidation and harassment of opposition figures.
Fayyaz made these remarks following the Maldives Police Service's decision to seek charges against four members of the MDP, including Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir. The case stems from their involvement in the "Lootuvaifi" protest organized by the party on October 3, 2025.
Fayyaz Ismail, who served as the Economic Minister during the MDP administration, expressed profound concern over the matter. He stated that the country’s situation would remain in this state for the remainder of this government's term, which he characterized by fear and insecurity. He further alleged that it has become standard practice for this administration to intimidate, threaten, and harass opposition figures in the lead-up to elections.
In addition to Member Mauroof, the MDP members forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for charges include Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), the MDP candidate for the Hulhumale’ North constituency in the upcoming Male’ City Council elections; Abdulla Salam of Maafolheyvilla, N. Holhudhoo; and Aishath Najuda Ali of Disc, HDh. Kulhudhuffushi. In the notices sent to these individuals, the police stated that the protest held that night was conducted in violation of the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.
According to the police, the individuals have been forwarded for prosecution on allegations of staging illegal gatherings and protests across various areas of Male', causing noise disturbances, obstructing public transport, and disrupting business operations. Furthermore, they are accused of obstructing police officers in the line of duty, disobeying lawful orders, and interfering with the performance of official police functions.
Notably, the decision to seek charges against senior MDP officials over a protest held five months ago comes just as the party has announced plans for a new demonstration. The MDP declared last Tuesday that it would hold a major protest on March 21. MP Mauroof, who is among the lead organizers of the upcoming event, is one of the individuals facing potential charges. Mauroof also serves as the spokesperson for the MDP task force campaigning against the proposal to hold presidential and parliamentary elections concurrently.
