Tonight, the opposition party Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) plans to hold a major rally against the Muizzu government, protesting alleged corruption and mismanagement. The rally, scheduled in the capital Malé, has already drawn significant attention from both supporters and authorities.
In preparation, the Maldives Police Service announced that several parts of Malé will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians at various times throughout today and tonight. While the police cited security concerns, the announcement has raised questions about whether these measures are intended to restrict public participation in the rally.
Controversy intensified earlier this week when the police reportedly issued an intelligence report warning that the MDP might use gang members to damage public property during the rally. The MDP has firmly denied these allegations, calling the report “fake intelligence” aimed at disrupting their democratic demonstration.
Party officials further accused the ruling Progressive National Party (PNC) and President Muizzu himself of attempting to manipulate gang members to create unrest at the rally, in an effort to discredit the opposition.
The unfolding situation highlights a growing tension in Malé between opposition parties seeking to hold peaceful protests and authorities reportedly employing restrictive measures. Tonight’s rally is being closely watched as a test of both political dissent and the government’s handling of public demonstrations in the Maldives.
