The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has appointed a team to ensure the party’s activities continue uninterrupted in the event of the arrest of its leaders.
MDP Chairperson and opposition leader Fayyaz Ismail announced the decision at the party’s rally on Tuesday night, following an informal meeting of its national congress. Ismail said that the meeting, held on Wednesday, concluded that the people would manage the party if its current leadership were detained. However, he did not disclose the identities of the appointed group.
The announcement comes amid mounting tensions after lawmakers from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) called for Ismail’s arrest during a parliamentary session on Tuesday. The calls followed remarks Ismail made during a press conference on Monday.
Dispute over Historical Reference
The dispute was sparked by an MDP activist’s comments during a rally in Kulhudhuffushi City, which referenced the fate of Mohamed Amin Didi, the Maldives’ first president. The activist warned President Mohamed Muizzu could face a similar outcome if he failed to deliver on his promises.
PNC members interpreted the statement as a threat against the president and likened it to terrorism. Defending the activist, Ismail asserted the comments were a “historical lesson” rather than a threat. “When you hurt the people, history has shown what happens to rulers. I believe he said that on the podium as advice to the incumbent president,” Ismail said during the press conference.
PNC MPs and activists swiftly took to social media, demanding an investigation and Ismail’s arrest. An emergency motion was subsequently submitted to parliament by PNC MP Hassan Mufeed Abdul Qadir, urging police action against the remarks.
Rally Highlights Government Suppression
Tuesday night’s rally, titled People in Defence of the Constitution, was held at the Alimas Carnival area in Malé. Coinciding with Human Rights Day and National Fishermen’s Day, the event aimed to protest what the MDP described as the Muizzu administration’s suppression of democracy and human rights.
The rally marked the MDP’s most significant public gathering since last year’s presidential election. Reports emerged alleging employees of state-owned enterprises were threatened with suspension or termination if they attended, a move critics have called an intimidation tactic.
The rally also highlighted public discontent with recent government actions, including a rushed constitutional amendment passed last week. The amendment, which strips defecting MPs of their parliamentary seats and expands presidential powers, has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency and public debate.
Additionally, tensions have risen over the administration’s economic policies, including a controversial foreign exchange regulation requiring tourism businesses to convert portions of their revenue into Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Historical Parallel: Mohamed Amin Didi
The remarks referencing Mohamed Amin Didi’s fate have drawn attention to a dark chapter in Maldivian history. Amin Didi, the Maldives’ first president, faced a violent downfall in 1953 after public dissatisfaction culminated in a revolution. Upon his return from medical treatment abroad, he was attacked by enraged crowds, imprisoned, and later exiled.
Despite his tragic end, Amin Didi is remembered for his progressive contributions to education, women’s rights, and democracy.