Power outage hits Maafannu during MDP rally; STELCO cites technical issue
Although STELCO attributed the power outage during the MDP campaign rally near the West Park area in Maafannu to a technical fault, the party has alleged it was a deliberate act of sabotage by the government. Mayoral candidate Adam Azim characterized the incident as a calculated attempt to obstruct their campaign and inconvenience the public, asserting that such actions would not deter the party's efforts. Despite the blackout, the MDP proceeded with the rally uninterrupted, supported by a large gathering of constituents.
From the MDP campaign rally held Tuesday night near the West Park area: Power was cut to the site while the gathering was in progress. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Electricity was cut off at the Maafannu West Park area while a campaign rally was underway for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidates contesting the Male’ City Council and Women's Development Committee by-elections.
Tuesday night's rally saw a large turnout of MDP supporters, characterized by high energy and enthusiasm.
Regarding the incident, a STELCO media official stated that the power outage in the Maafannu West Park area during the MDP rally was caused by a technical issue. However, senior MDP officials allege that the outage was a deliberate act orchestrated by the government to obstruct the opposition's campaign activities.
Despite a power outage, the MDP proceeded with its rally without interruption. Speaking after the event, Adam Azim, the MDP candidate for the Male' City mayoral election, stated that the government has been obstructing the party’s campaign in various ways since its inception. However, Azim emphasized that the MDP has a proven track record of not backing down in the face of such harassment or intimidation.
Azim further stated that cutting off electricity to a large area of the Maafannu West constituency while the rally was underway was not merely an act of sabotage against the MDP, but a significant hardship inflicted upon all residents of the area. He characterized the current administration as a major "nuisance" to the public.
Azim sharply criticized the government's policies, stating that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has done nothing but harass the Maldivian people since taking office. Despite a power outage during the event, the enthusiasm of the MDP supporters remained undeterred as they stayed at the venue until the conclusion of the rally.
