The extensive closure of roads in Henveiru district to facilitate the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) meeting on Friday night, held to mark President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s two-year anniversary in office, has caused significant disruption for residents in the affected areas.

Large sections surrounding the Artificial Beach, where the event is taking place, were closed from sunset on Friday until the conclusion of the gathering. This has created considerable difficulties for local residents, many of whom are questioning the justification for shutting down such a wide area without regard for public inconvenience.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) announced that traffic patterns would be altered from 6pm on Friday until the event ended. As part of these changes, the outlying Boduthakurufaanu Magu from Salman Mosque to Zitouni Café was completely closed to all vehicles. Police also prohibited four-wheeled vehicles from entering roads stretching from the Henveiru Petrol Station to the Raalhugandu area and up to the junction where Majeedhee Magu meets Sosun Magu.

In addition to the road closures, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) suspended bus services on the Hulhumalé–Malé carnival route from Friday sunset without prior notice. MTCC confirmed the suspension to RaajjeMV but provided no information about when services would resume.

The government’s influence in organizing the meeting has drawn criticism, especially in light of the police’s decision on October 3 to prevent participants of a major main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) rally from proceeding along Majeedhee Magu on grounds that it would inconvenience residents.

Friday night’s meeting is being held to celebrate the second anniversary of President Muizzu’s administration, with attendees brought in from almost all islands. PNC supporters and government employees have been arriving in Malé since Thursday to participate.

Senior PNC officials have repeatedly highlighted the scale of spending for the event, claiming the party will spend millions of Maldivian Rufiyaa. MP for Meedhoo constituency, Abdul Rahman stated that MVR 50 million was spent, describing the budget as “unlimited” and intended to create a major impact. He noted that the party is chartering airplanes, providing tickets, renting numerous sea vessels, and offering pocket money, meals, and accommodation for attendees.

As the country’s economic situation worsens and living costs continue to rise, many are questioning how the ruling party is financing such an expensive event. Concerns have also intensified over the decision to close such a large area of Malé for a partisan gathering, with many calling for consistent enforcement of rules for all political parties.