MDP to hold mass protest on March 21 amid referendum dispute

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced plans to hold a mass protest against the government on the 21st of next month.

The announcement was made at a press conference held by the party on Tuesday. The briefing took place on the same day as the scheduled local council elections and the referendum on holding presidential and parliamentary elections on the same date. The MDP’s national assembly has decided to oppose the referendum.

Speaking at the press conference, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, spokesperson for the MDP task force formed in relation to the referendum, said the party has taken steps aimed at safeguarding democratic principles in the Maldives.

He said the planned protest forms part of efforts to protect the rights of citizens. Mauroof urged the public to vote against the referendum and to take part in the demonstration.

The MDP last held a large protest on 3 October last year. That demonstration was disrupted following clashes between police and protesters, during which seven individuals were arrested and charged. The Prosecutor General’s Office later decided not to proceed with the charges.