An MDP campaign centre in Hoandedhdhoo of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll has been vandalised with posters, banners and furniture inside the premises defaced with used motor oil.
According to the Maldives Police Service (MPS), a complaint was filed at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, and though no arrests have so far been made in connection with the vandalism, an investigation is underway.
This is the second time in a week an outpost of MDP in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll has been attacked. Last week, in a similar act of sabotage, a venue set for a gathering of MDP’s candidate President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Madaveli was set ablaze, just prior to his arrival in the island.
In Villingilli of Gaafu Alifu Atoll, the president was also met with protests by his opponents, which escalated into confrontations with the police.
Spokesperson for President Solih’s Campaign, Defence Minister Mariya Didi on Tuesday urged all political parties to provide equal space for campaigning.
Noting that voting is not merely a political act but rather participation in civil developmental discourse, she called on all parties to allow candidates to voice their agendas, ensuring that they reach everyone to contribute to an informed electorate.
Mariya warned that if such an environment is not allowed to function, security forces will intervene to create an equal footing for all candidates.
Addressing the actions of the police, Sheikh Imran Abdulla, the Minister of Home Affairs, earlier this week called upon all parties and supporters to show respect towards one another during their campaign activities.
He said the actions taken by the law enforcement were not intended to suppress the opposition but to uphold law and order.
Fayyaz Ismail, the Chairperson of MDP, also urged the opposition not to obstruct the peaceful campaigning efforts of the ruling coalition. He cautioned that while the President might be forgiving, others might not be as lenient.