Gov permits MDP to hold rally in Sultan Park

The government has granted permission for opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to hold their special rally where former President Mohamed Nasheed will be signing to the party at the Sultan Park.

Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure said last night that the Male' City Council has handed over Sultan Park to the ministry to carry out renovations. Since then, the park has not been given out for any events, and no guidelines on leasing the park have been drafted, he said.

However, a request from MDP to hold a rally at the park has been granted, the Minister said in a post on social media.

MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail previously voiced concerns stating that the government has refused to issue permission for a location in which the party can hold their anniversary event and to celebrate the joining of Nasheed and officials of The Democrats.

In a post on X, Fayyaz said that if the government fails to provide a space by Monday, the party will proceed to hold the event in front of the official presidential residence Muleeaage.

In response, President's Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed said that to uphold democracy, it is imperative to hold responsible political activities.

Heena then pointed out the places determined by this government as locations where rallies can be held without prior permission.

These include the Carnival area, Rasfannu area, Usfasgan'du and Industrial Village.

MDP's anniversary falls on June 26.