MDP to hold congress in tents at Male' City Hall; proceedings to move forward despite government obstruction

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will hold its congress under tents at the Male’ City Hall, according to the party’s Deputy Chairperson Ibrahim Waheed, who asserted that the event will proceed despite government obstruction.

Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP, Waheed announced that the party's congress is scheduled to take place at the Male' City Hall area. He noted that as it is an open space, the congress will be conducted under temporary tents. Waheed further asserted that despite the government's repeated attempts to obstruct the party from holding its congress as mandated by the Political Parties Act, the MDP remains steadfast in its commitment to proceed with the event.

Furthermore, Waheed stated that the ruling PNC held its congress by cordoning off one of the largest areas in Male'. He noted that while the congress was underway at the Social Centre, all schools in the vicinity were also closed. Waheed further highlighted that during his address at the congress, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had pledged to provide equal opportunities to all political parties.

During the congress, the President spoke about providing equal opportunities to all political parties. At that moment, I could only think about the sheer audacity of such a statement. They refused to provide us with a venue for our congress and effectively held three schools in Male' hostage; the congress at the Social Centre was only made possible by seizing control of those three schools.

Ibrahim Waheed

Speaking regarding the MDP congress, Waheed stated that there are over 980 eligible participants. He noted that those wishing to attend can register online through a dedicated website, which also provides comprehensive information about the congress.

Waheed stated that online registration will be open from the 20th to the 25th of this month. He further noted that the distribution of participant kits for the congress will take place at the MDP headquarters on August 29 and 30.

Waheed noted that the MDP congress is drawing a significant number of participants, highlighting the high level of interest among party members. He further stated that despite numerous challenges and obstacles, the congress will proceed as planned, thanks to the support and cooperation of the membership.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has scheduled its national congress to take place from October 1 to October 3.