Govt approves Sultan Park for MDP rally welcoming Nasheed

The government has approved Sultan Park in Malé as the venue for a rally organised by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to welcome former President Mohamed Nasheed back to the party.

The decision follows public remarks by MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail, who on Thursday accused the government of obstructing the event by failing to provide a venue. Fayyaz had said that if no location was provided by Monday, the party would hold the rally outside President Mohamed Muizzu’s official residence, Muleeage.

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib announced on X on Friday that Sultan Park had been allocated for the event. According to the minister, the park is currently undergoing renovation and has not been made available for rent so far. However, he stated that an exception had been made following the MDP’s request.

“Sultan Park is still being renovated and no formal rules have been set for renting it out,” Muththalib wrote. “However, since the MDP requested the venue for a specific event, the government has now agreed to allocate it for their rally.”

The rally is intended to mark the rejoining of Nasheed and other members of The Democrats with the MDP. The MDP’s National Assembly has resolved to hold the event and associated celebrations this week.

The Democrats announced their decision to merge with the MDP last Tuesday. The move was described as part of a joint effort to form a stronger opposition and hold the current administration accountable.