Nasheed says public will change govt through democratic means
Nasheed said the MDP was established to protect the rights of Maldivians and to work towards improving the welfare of citizens.
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Former President and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Mohamed Nasheed said on Thursday that public opposition to government actions would continue and that citizens would ultimately determine the country's political future.
Nasheed made the remarks at the conclusion of an MDP protest held in Malé under the slogan "Vazeefaa Buraasfathi" (Employment Thursday).
The demonstration began at Rasfannu at approximately 8:30 p.m. and concluded at Artificial Beach following a march through the capital.
According to the MDP, the protest was organised in response to what the party alleges are dismissals of opposition supporters from government employment and state-owned enterprises.
Addressing participants, Nasheed said the MDP was established to protect the rights of Maldivians and to work towards improving the welfare of citizens.
He stated that employment rights are protected under the Constitution and said those rights had been secured through years of public effort.
“The MDP is a movement and an institution. This party will not back down,” Nasheed told supporters.
He accused the government of dismissing employees from state-owned enterprises without following due process and pledged that the party would support affected workers and their families.
“I want to assure all employed citizens that they are not alone, and the MDP will stand by every affected family,” he said.
Nasheed also criticised President Mohamed Muizzu, arguing that government actions were contributing to growing public dissatisfaction.
“Dr Muizzu must understand that he is creating a revolution. The people of the Maldives will rise for this revolution. The citizens will continue to carry out all actions necessary to protect their rights,” Nasheed said.
A large number of supporters attended the protest, which concluded without incident.
Police did not intervene during the gathering, unlike some previous opposition demonstrations.
The event was the first major street protest organised by the MDP since Nasheed assumed the position of party chairperson. Several senior party figures joined him at the front of the march.
