Speaking at Lonuziyaaraiy Kolhu this morning Nasheed announced that his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) would not cease the ongoing protests till an early election date is received. Nasheed further said that “all the parties must reach an agreement in order to open the Parliament” and the utmost precedence of such an agreement must be to hold the presidential polls this year. “Even if constitutional amendments are needed or not, an early election is most definitely required,” he added. Former President stressed on the importance of dialogue between the political parties to decide on an early election date and on that note said that he had received word that various dates were being debated amongst the parties. He also expressed his desire to enable the opening of Parliament through dialogue, without resorting to confrontations and escalating unrest. The reconvening of Parliament by the President is obligated under the constitution, but the “Parliament had been blocked because of the coup”, Nasheed added. He said that the Parliament cannot function through the muscle of the security forces and “no one should assume that the situation in the Maldives can be resolved with batons, pepper spray and riot gear,” Nasheed concluded.