The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has finalised plans to hold a street protest on 31 January in defence of the constitution.
The decision, unanimously approved during a national council meeting on Wednesday, marks the first planned street demonstration against the current Mohamed Muizzu administration.
The announcement follows the MDP’s 10 December “People in Defence of the Constitution” rally, where the party’s national council endorsed protests across the country and resolved to invite other political parties, civil society organisations, and the public to join its campaign.
The MDP launched its constitutional defence campaign to protest what it called the Muizzu administration’s suppression of democracy and human rights. The campaign followed widespread public discontent over recent government actions, including a rushed constitutional amendment passed in December. The amendment, which strips defecting MPs of their parliamentary seats and grants the president expanded powers, has been criticised for its lack of transparency and failure to involve public consultation. The party accused Parliament of acting at Muizzu’s behest and described the amendments as unconstitutional.
Tensions have also risen over the administration’s economic policies, particularly a controversial foreign exchange regulation that requires tourism businesses to convert a portion of their revenue into Maldivian Rufiyaa.
The MDP, as an opposition party, has a history of organising large demonstrations to hold the government accountable.