The opposition PPM-PNC coalition held a large rally on Friday evening, calling for the release of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom from prison. Over 5,000 people, including coalition leaders and supporters of Yameen, participated in the “Bunvaru” rally, which was held on the sidelines of the “Hope Conference” in preparation for the upcoming presidential election.
The rally began at 4:00pm in front of the PPM headquarters, with participants calling for Yameen’s freedom. The event concluded near the Artificial Beach area with a special Dua. During the rally, police arrested an individual who tried to cause a disturbance by breaking up the rows of participants on a motorbike. No further details regarding the arrest have been disclosed by the police.
The “Hope Conference” aimed to bring together opposition coalition members in one place to regroup and move forward with campaign trips and other election-related matters. The conference was participated by the opposition coalition’s leadership, constituency presidents, vice presidents, women’s wing presidents, youth wing presidents, and steering committee presidents.
Yameen, who served as the President of the Maldives from 2013 to 2018, was arrested in 2018 on charges of money laundering and embezzlement. He was later convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. The opposition coalition, as well as human rights groups, have accused the current government of politically motivated charges against Yameen.
The “Bunvaru” rally and the “Hope Conference” were the latest in a series of events held by the opposition coalition to protest Yameen’s imprisonment and call for his release. The coalition has accused the current government of undermining democratic principles and suppressing opposition voices, and the events have been seen as a show of unity and strength by the opposition.
The upcoming presidential election in the Maldives is expected to be highly competitive, with several candidates vying for the top office. The opposition coalition, with Yameen’s supporters at the forefront, is hoping to mount a strong challenge to the current government.
The “Bunvaru” rally and the “Hope Conference” were peaceful and well-attended, and they represent a significant show of support for Yameen and the opposition coalition. The events have been seen as a sign of the growing opposition movement in the Maldives and the increasing desire for change among the Maldivian people.
The opposition coalition is expected to continue to mobilize support for Yameen and democratic principles in the Maldives. The Friday evening events have boosted the opposition’s efforts and are likely to be a rallying point for future events and activities.
As the presidential election draws closer, the Maldives is likely to see an intensification of political activity and a heightened focus on issues such as human rights, democracy, and political freedom. The “Bunvaru” rally and the “Hope Conference” have provided a glimpse into the growing opposition movement in the Maldives, and they are likely to be a significant factor in shaping the outcome of the upcoming election.