Police officers have begun removing political posters and banners placed by supporters of the opposition in Vilingilli island of Gaa Alifu Atoll, following President Abdulla Yameen’s visit to the region.

Officers had also visited the headquarters of the Maldivian Democratic Party in the island and asked those gathered there to remove the posters.

A supporter told RaajjeMV that he had asked the police if they were ordered to remove political posters placed by the ruling party, to which an officer replied that they were not.

The police removed the posters on the grounds that they need to be authorized before placing banners in public spaces.

While the island’s boats have been docked at least 200 feet from the Vilingilli’s harbor, officers had also asked that they be moved even farther.