News Desk
MALE’, Maldives — The government on Thursday rejected accusations from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) that it was obstructing political gatherings, as tensions flared over plans to celebrate the return of former President Mohammed Nasheed to the party and its 20th anniversary.
MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail claimed on X that the government was hindering efforts to secure a venue for the events. He said the party was organizing activities to mark Nasheed’s homecoming and the party’s milestone but faced resistance from authorities. Fayyaz warned that if no venue was provided, the MDP would hold a ceremony near the Presidential Palace on Monday at 9 p.m., urging supporters to gather there.
In response, government spokesperson Heena Waleed defended the administration’s stance, emphasizing its commitment to democratic principles. She said political activities were now permitted without prior approval in designated areas, including the southwest industrial zone, Usfasgandu, and Rasfannu. Previously, such gatherings were restricted to the Carnival area. “It is very important and an equally noble basis for maintaining this system of rule of law and democracy, rather than politicians misleading the public about issues that have been clearly defined and opened up,” Heena said in a post on X.
The dispute underscores ongoing political friction in the country. Nasheed, a towering figure in Maldivian politics who played a key role in founding the MDP, served as the country’s first democratically elected president from 2008 to 2012. He left the party in 2023 after a falling-out with then-MDP President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih, accusing the MDP government of corruption. Nasheed and his allies formed a splinter group, The Democrats.
On Tuesday, The Democrats voted to rejoin the MDP, a move welcomed by party leaders, including Solih, party president Abdulla Shahid, who is touring southern Fuvah Mulah city, and Fayyaz. The reunion has energized the MDP as it prepares to commemorate its 20th anniversary, but the standoff over event venues threatens to overshadow the celebrations.
The government’s response will likely shape the tone of Monday’s planned gathering, as the MDP seeks to rally its base around Nasheed’s return while navigating the boundaries of political expression in the Maldives.
