Statement Condemning Attempts to Disrupt October 3 Rally

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) strongly condemns the statement issued by Maldives Police Service (MPS) signalling their intention to disrupt ‘Lootuvaifi Lootuvaifi’ event scheduled for the 3rd of October, 2025, and attempts by the Muizzu’s administration to disrupt the peaceful political action through paid criminal actors.

The MDP assures all authorities and participants that the event is a peaceful political rally, and that claims made by the MPS suggesting otherwise are deliberate attempts at disrupting the rally using gross misinformation tactics. The Muizzu administration's willingness to lie to the public has been an ever-present feature of the regime, and the police’s willingness to further these claims are only further evidence of a need for the protests.

We regret that these tactics are a clear means of deflecting attention away from reports highlighting the administration’s intent to use external criminal actors to create violence at the event regarding which a complaint has been lodged by the MDP at the Maldives Police Services, highlighting links between the PNC and criminal organizations and the demonstrated intent of the Muizzu administration to harm protesters. The party asks that the MPS stay committed to their duty to protect the public, and to uphold the constitutional right to free expression and protest by ensuring that no external disruptions are allowed at the rally.

Representatives from the MDP met with the MPS on September 28th to share information on the event scheduled for 3rd October, with further documentation submitted in writing as needed. The MDP reiterates that the rally will proceed as discussed at the meeting.

The police’s actions are only the latest in a long list of actions that highlight the rapidly eroding democratic freedoms in our country, and showcase president Muizzu’s alarming willingness to subvert our democratic institutions for his own gain. With our parliament and judiciary firmly under his thumb, and our “independent” institutions used only to further the president’s autocratic agenda, the only remaining recourse is for our people to engage in direct action and demonstration. We call on the people of the country to join these peaceful protests at a moment where our country appears on the verge of descending once again into totalitarian dictatorship, as president Muizzu continues his blatantly unconstitutional consolidation of power.