MDP Announces Nationwide Protest on November 17 as Muizzu Government Marks Two Years in Power

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest on November 17, coinciding with the second anniversary of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s inauguration. The decision was passed unanimously during the party’s Gaumee Majlis meeting held last night.

The motion to organize the protest was proposed by MDP Member Ahmed Saleem and received full support from attending members. According to party officials, the upcoming demonstration will focus on the same issues raised in last week’s protest including opposition to what the MDP describes as growing authoritarianism, restrictions on media freedom, and erosion of constitutional rights.

“The Muizzu administration continues to dismantle democratic institutions and silence dissent. This protest is a call to restore the rights and freedoms that Maldivians fought hard to secure,” a member MDP member said following the meeting.

The party also highlighted concerns over the new media law, recent constitutional amendments, and the government’s handling of public assemblies, all of which have drawn criticism from both local and international observers.

Last week’s MDP-led protest in Malé saw heavy police presence, resulting in multiple arrests and allegations of excessive force. Despite that, party leaders say they remain committed to peaceful demonstrations and expect a larger turnout on November 17.

Police have not yet issued a statement regarding the planned protest.