United Opposition says gathering is on, despite permit being withdrawn

Maldives United Opposition (MUO) has said that they would hold the gathering scheduled for this Thursday night at Carnival area, despite the permission for opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to hold the gathering being withdrawn by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure.

Spokesperson for MUO, MP Ahmed Mahloof spoke to “Sun” on Thursday and said that the gathering would be held through whatever means possible, and that a press conference regarding the issue would be held very soon.

MDP has said that former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, Chairperson of MDP Ali Waheed, and former Vice President and Leader of MUO would speak to supporters via video link during the ceremony.

MDP’s request to hold a MUO gathering was approved after a month on Wednesday, but the permission was then withdrawn later on Wednesday night.

Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu held a press conference on Thursday morning, during which he said that MDP had requested to hold one of their party gatherings at the Carnival, but that the permission had been withdrawn when the Ministry learned that it was for an “unlawful” gathering by the “unlawful” organization called Maldives United Opposition.

Muizzu said that MUO wasn’t registered with the Elections Commission, and that the Commission also therefore did not approve of permission being given for the MUO gathering.

He said that MUO was founded unlawfully, and that the government would not allow even an inch of land from Maldives to hold an illegal gathering.

He said that government was however ready to provide their full cooperation for peaceful and lawful political activity.