MDP Warns of Major Protest Again on November 17 if Government Fails to Meet Demands

MV+ News Desk | October 5, 2025
MDP supporters attending the rally on October 3, 2025 | Photo: MDP

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced plans to stage a large-scale protest on 17 again November if the government fails to respond to its demands.

The announcement came during the party’s national congress held on Saturday night, following the Lootuvaalaifi rally organised by the MDP in Malé on Friday evening. The party described the rally as a “warning” to the government to “follow the correct path.”

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During the congress, former Hoarafushi MP Ahmed Saleem submitted a resolution condemning the police for blocking participants during Friday’s rally, which began at 9 p.m. The resolution also called for the release of six of the eight individuals arrested at the protest.

It further urged the MDP to continue defending the fundamental rights of citizens and to hold a nationwide protest on 17 November should the government remain unresponsive. The resolution was unanimously approved by members attending the session.

The date coincides with the second anniversary of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assuming office.

MDP’s Five Key Demands:

  1. Repeal the constitutional amendment concerning the procedure for dismissing members of the People’s Majlis.
  2. Settle state debts owed to private companies within the next five weeks.
  3. Revoke amendments to the Decentralisation Act that limit the authority of local councils.
  4. Abolish the Maldives Broadcasting and Media Regulation Act.
  5. Provide Aasandha insurance coverage and medication.

A large crowd gathered at Artificial Beach for Friday’s rally, but police intervened when protesters attempted to march onto Majeedhee Magu. Police said the MDP had previously agreed that the rally would be confined to Ameenee Magu and Boduthakurufaanu Magu. Tensions escalated when protesters attempted to push past police lines.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later stated that the police had acted with restraint to maintain public safety during the protest.

Eight people were arrested at the rally, with the Criminal Court sentencing all but one to 15 days in custody. Addu City Councillor Hussain Zareer was later released.

Vice President Labels Rally an “Act of Terrorism”

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef strongly condemned the protest, calling it an act of terrorism.

In a post on X, the Vice President claimed that the rally was organised “under the guise of a peaceful protest” to disrupt peace and harmony in the country. He described it as a “terrorist act” that violated the Constitution and the rule of law, despite being presented as an exercise of the people’s right to freedom of expression.

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