The political landscape in the Maldives is becoming increasingly tumultuous as President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration faces increasing criticism over its alleged attempts to stifle opposition voices and obstruct political activities. Public sentiment is decidedly negative, particularly in response to the administration’s perceived interference with the inaugural congress of the People’s National Front (PNF).
President Muizzu has maintained that the riot police’s obstruction of the PNF congress was contrary to his explicit directives. However, opposition leaders are growing increasingly sceptical of this assertion. They view President Muizzu’s call for an investigation into the alleged use of force by police as a diversionary tactic designed to salvage his public image ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
Among the critics is former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the senior advisor of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). During a campaign visit to Fuvahmulah City, Solih expressed his concerns to the local media outlet Adhadhu, characterising the Muizzu administration as a potential threat to democracy. The obstruction of a legally mandated political gathering is a direct affront to the democratic principles of freedom of assembly and political participation, he said.
“[President Muizzu] initiated, as you are aware, by suppressing the liberty of the press. He is undermining the authority of the parliament. He is presently trying to diminish dissenting perspectives and ideologies, and suppress those with opposing voices, and dismantle the pillars of democracy,” Solih warned.
He cautioned that if the Muizzu administration, led by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), secures a majority in the upcoming parliamentary elections, it could pave the way for a return to authoritarian rule and further erosion of democratic norms.
Solih contrasted the current administration’s actions with his tenure as president, during which he claimed fundamental rights were upheld to the fullest extent. He emphasised that his administration had not obstructed political activities or suppressed dissenting voices.
President Muizzu, however, refutes these allegations, asserting that he was unaware of the police’s actions to disrupt the PNF’s inaugural congress until he read about them in the newspapers. The opposition believes this comment either suggests a lack of control over his administration or an attempt to evade responsibility for the incident.
The congress, originally scheduled to be held at the privately run Ghiyasuddin International School, was disrupted when police barricaded the gate, preventing party officials, members, and even Elections Commission (EC) representatives from entering the premises.
Despite the obstruction, the PNF relocated its inaugural congress to the Raalhugandu area and proceeded with its meeting. The police reportedly decided to obstruct the PNF gathering after the Education Ministry requested it to protect the school.
The PNF leadership characterised the incident as a bleak moment for democracy. They contend that the police’s actions are driven by political motivations rather than a commitment to uphold law and order, an assertion that could significantly erode public confidence in law enforcement agencies.