After the police arrested 18 opposition members, 36 more will come out, says MP Mariya Ahmed Didi, the spokesperson of the Joint Opposition’s presidential candidate.

Mariya said that support for the opposition will only increase if the police keep arresting them, adding that the 18 arrested in GA. Kolamaafushi should receive their voting rights.

Mariya said that it was the police’s duty to allow the detainees to vote while in custody and that it was likely that more will be arrested if it is being done according to lists made up by the ruling party.

She said that she was happy to see employees of the civil service and government-affiliated companies joining the opposition campaign activities despite the threats to their employment and vowed to re-hire any dismissed government workers if the opposition gets elected.