Protesters criticize EC after commission orders halt to MDP demonstrations
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has strongly criticized the Elections Commission's directive to halt its ongoing protests, leveling serious corruption allegations against the Commission's President. While pursuing a 12-point list of demands submitted to the government, the party further accused the police of acting unlawfully in their efforts to suppress the demonstrations.
From the MDP series of protests – 29.04.2026. | Screen image
Protesters have directed sharp criticism at the Elections Commission (EC) after the electoral body ordered the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to cease its ongoing series of demonstrations.
Speaking at an MDP protest on Wednesday night, Anwar Ibrahim, the party's Thimarafushi constituency president, stated that the Elections Commission (EC) had instructed the party to cease its demonstrations. He further noted that the commission had issued a directive to refrain from making personal attacks against leaders of political parties. However, Anwar maintained that no such conduct had occurred during MDP’s protests. Accusing the President of the Elections Commission, Mohamed Zahid, of corruption, Anwar asserted that he must be removed from his position.
"He has fraudulently registered more than 32,000 people into a party. Now, preparations are underway to fine the MDP. Instead of providing the party with its allocated funds, the plan is to divert that money toward paying off these fines," he said.
Furthermore, participants at the protest criticized the tactics employed by the police to disperse the demonstrations. During the protest, legal counsel Mohamed Nishan asserted that the actions taken by the police were in violation of established laws and regulations.
The MDP's ongoing series of protests are held nightly from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. During these demonstrations, the party has been presenting a list of 12 demands to the government.
