Maldives opposition unsurprised by "dictatorial" govt stymieing Yameen's new party
The PNF held their formation meeting at the surf point in Male after the participants were obstructed at Ghiyasuddin School.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
Accusing President Mohammed Muizzu of creating obstacles to hinder the formation of former ruling party leader Abdulla Yameen's People's National Front (PNF) using influence and power, main opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has released a statement saying that this is "the way this dictatorial government will behave" in the future as well.
Ghiyasuddin School, which was supposed to hold the PNF formation meeting, was cordoned off by the police when people started assembling for the meeting. This led to protests and the police used pepper spray to control PNF supporters.
Police said the rally was stopped at the request of Ghiyasuddin School. Thus:
-
Police said PNF had been informed of the cancellation of the agreement to hold the rally on Wednesday afternoon
-
When PNF would not respect the school’s wishes, it had asked the police through the Ministry of Education to stop the rally
The opposition main party MDP issued a press release on Wednesday evening condemning the blockade of the rally. The MDP noted that:
-
The Election Commission has given permission to hold the PNF founding meeting
-
Police were sent to the venue and pepper spray was used to stop a peaceful political movement
The MDP believes that “government’s obstruction of the existence of the PNF is a denial of opportunity for expression of opinion and peaceful political activity” which is a constitutionally guaranteed right of every citizen of the country to form political parties and engage in political activities.
“The government’s obstruction of the democratic system and closure of opportunities for political opponents will continue to be the course of action of this dictatorial government of President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu,” the statement said.
They also called on the government to stop its efforts to influence state agencies to prevent the PNF formation rally and create an environment for political activities.
The PNF held its formation meeting at the surf point in Male after the participants were obstructed at Ghiyasuddin School.
