The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held a mass rally in the Maldivian capital on Friday, attracting hundreds of supporters who filled up the city’s streets.
The MDP’s ‘Fudhijje, Fundijje’ rally kicked-off at around 08:30 pm from near the Artificial Beach in the Henveiru district of Male’ City. Leading the march were the party’s president Abdulla Shahid, chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, former vice president Faisal Naseem, sitting and former lawmakers, former government ministers, and hundreds of the party’s grassroots members and supporters.
Former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, whose mother-in-law passed away earlier on Friday, was absent from the rally.
MDP holds 'Fudhijje, Fundijje' rally in Male' City on January 31, 2024. (Photo/MDP)
The protestors marched along the Boduthakurufaanu Magu and the Ameenee Magu before returning back to the Artificial Beach.
Addressing the rally, Shahid accused the incumbent People’s National Congress (PNC) administration of oppressing the people and failing to fulfill its promises.
“The people have had enough,” he said.
MDP's chairperson Fayyaz Ismail addresses the 'Fudhijje, Fundijje' rally in Male' City on January 31, 2024. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
Meanwhile, Fayyaz accused the PNC administration of implementing “uninformed and unrealistic policies” which is resulting in people having to “beg” for healthcare.
“We are forced to rise up once again because we need to stop this government from these attempts to violate rights even if we need to shed our blood,” he said.
Fayyaz said that the MDP had always had to fight against PNC’s “oppressive” policies and that the party is determined to defend people’s constitutional rights.
Male' City mayor Adam Azim addresses the 'Fudhijje, Fundijje' rally in Male' City on January 31, 2024. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
Male’ City Mayor Adam Azim said that the people of the capital have been patient for long enough, and cannot stand by any longer while the government “turns the constitution upside down.”
“We want to show the people of Male’. Do not be afraid. Rise up. This country gained it rights by taking to the streets. The rights of all are protected when the MDP comes to power. We have risen up for you. The bullets cannot reach you without going through us first,” he said.
The police had managed the security and the traffic flow in the capital throughout the rally, which concluded peacefully.
Police maintain security as MDP holds 'Fudhijje, Fundijje' rally in Male' City on January 31, 2024. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
Heena Waleed, the chief spokesperson at the President’s Office, said that the rally, with the presence of law enforcement, was a testament to how the administration values enshrined in the constitution, such as freedom of assembly and speech.
“President Dr @MMuizzu’s policy is to protect & ensure freedom of expression,” she added.
The opposition rally tonight, with the presence of law enforcement, is a testament to how this Administration values rights enshrined in the Constitution, such as freedom of assembly and speech. President Dr @MMuizzu’s policy is to protect & ensure freedom of expression.
— Heena Waleed (@MvSpokesperson) January 31, 2025
Friday’s rally marked the MDP’s biggest gathering since its defeat in the 2023 presidential elections.