20,000 chairs will be placed in the mass gathering to be held on Tuesday night, says ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) Parliamentary Group leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik.

Nihan, who is also representative of Villimale’ constituency in Parliament, told the media at a press conference held on Monday that it is difficult to estimate the number of people to partake in the mass ruling party gathering, however, 20,000 chairs will be placed in the area.

“It is difficult to estimate a number at the moment. Can say for sure that 20,000 chairs will be placed in the entire stadium” Nihan told the press.

The gathering PPM announced as one that will “show the size” of it, is scheduled for Tuesday night and is to take place in the field of Maafannu Stadium. The ruling party is seen bringing supporters from the atolls en masse to partake in the gathering through chartered flights.

According to the PG leader, their target is a considerable amount, which will be observed upon the beginning of the gathering.

“We believe that we have the support of a majority of the citizens” said Nihan.

While the MP highlighted that state employees will not be forced to partake in this gathering, recent ruling party gatherings have seen the forcible participation of state employees who fear for their employment.