PPM condemns attempts to obstruct President Waheed

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has condemned the recent attempts to obstruct President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s coalition campaign, following incidents where groups in certain islands had tried to block the team from going ashore.

Speaking to the press inside the PPM office in Male’ today, Spokesperson for the party Galolhu-south MP Ahmed Mahlouf said that it was against the spirit of democracy to deny the President to go ashore the islands, especially when he visited on his campaign.

He said that although PPM is in competition with President Waheed’s coalition for the presidential race, the President also should have the opportunity to visit the islands and conduct his campaign. He accused Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of obstructing the President’s campaign and said that it is an “uncivilized” act on their part.

“As we prepare for the presidential elections, we are witnessing certain things that we should not see in a democracy. We are seeing MDP and certain other parties trying to obstruct his rallies, trying to bar him from going ashore on some islands, people resolving to actions that are undemocratic. Even though we dont support Waheed as a candidate, we believe that all candidates should have an equal opportunity to campaign,” Mahlouf said.

Voicing out against a presidential candidate is not an issue, he said, their expressions should not obstruct a candidate’s campaign, or cause harm to police, military, or the public.

MDP supporters carrying party flags had obstructed the President and his coalition campaign team during their recent visit to Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo. A number of people got injured during the unrest that ensued. A similar incident followed in Fuvahmulah.