MDP

Has the Maldives United Opposition failed to ‘restore democracy’?

As rumours of Yameen’s imminent ouster fizzle out and detainees languish in jail, Omkar Khandekar asks if the opposition coalition has failed in its bid to remove the embattled president and “restore democracy.”

MDP decides to join all-party talks

The MDP’s national council decided to heed the Commonwealth’s call for time-bound dialogue without preconditions “to achieve national agreement on institutional reform, and to ensure a conducive environment for credible and inclusive presidential elections in 2018.”

EC promises to release political party funds ahead of January’s polls

“We are trying to distribute the funds as soon as possible. It will be given before the preparations for local council elections begin for sure,” EC member Ahmed Akram told The Maldives Independent today. “All that’s remaining now is the administrative procedures to distribute the money.”

After Commonwealth warning, government renews call for dialogue

On Sunday, the government asked the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party and the Adhaalath Party to send details of its representatives for all-party talks “as they were the only parties who have not yet done so despite several previous requests.”

Immigration revokes passport of MDP chairperson, ex-vice president’s associates

“We have shared this information with other countries. Hence, if they travel using this passport, they will face problems at the point of entry and immigration will not be responsible for any inconvenience or loss they may have to face,” said Hassan Khaleel, the department’s media official.

Complaint filed over state broadcaster’s live telecast of PPM rally

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has submitted a complaint to the anti-corruption watchdog over the state broadcaster’s live telecast of a ruling party campaign rally.

UN envoy departs with appeal for ‘maximum flexibility’

The UN said Tamrat Samuel “urged all concerned Maldivian parties to show maximum flexibility and commitment to compromise in order to overcome outstanding differences and address vital matters of national importance.”

Three arrested from opposition prayer gathering

Riot police continued to forcibly disperse the opposition’s weekly prayer gathering Friday afternoon, arresting three men and using pepper spray to push back the crowd outside the Islamic centre in Malé.

Thousands gather for opposition coalition’s first rally – as it happened

The first rally by the Maldives United Opposition is underway. A podium has been set up at the MDP’s meeting hall, located on the outer ring road of the capital. Hundreds of opposition supporters have gathered on the opposite side of the road, filling up the artificial beach and allowing traffic to pass through.

Opposition MPs protest in parliament over jailing of Mahloof

MDP MPs clamoured for the immediate release of their jailed colleague and called for President Yameen’s resignation. Speaker Abdulla Maseeh Mohamed adjourned proceedings shortly after the protest began in the People’s Majlis chamber.

Opposition coalition reschedules first rally for July 21

The Maldives United Opposition, launched in London last month by opposition leaders in exile, had planned to hold the rally Thursday night despite the last-minute withdrawal of a permit granted by the housing ministry, but was forced to cancel due to bad weather.

Government authorised to lease islands without bidding

The ruling party-controlled parliament voted through today controversial changes to the tourism law that authorises the government to lease islands for resort development without a competitive bidding process.

MPs question government’s sincerity in tackling jihadi recruitment

Broadcast regulator accused of double standards

The reconstituted Maldives Broadcasting Commission has been accused of bias and double standards over contrasting rulings issued recently after investigating similar complaints.

Maldives opposition shows united front, urges supporters to “set aside differences”

Five rival opposition groups announced today a united front to remove President Abdulla Yameen from office, urging supporters to bridge differences to restore democracy.

MDP urged to boycott elections if EC introduces e-voting

The Elections Commission had said earlier this month that it will “do what is necessary to introduce electronic voting.” However, commission members and Home Minister Umar Naseer told visiting European Union diplomats yesterday that e-voting would not be introduced unless the system has public support.

Yameen accused of ‘sullying GMR’s reputation’

Yameen had claimed that GMR only paid MVR16 million to the government a year whilst MACL generated MVR1 billion in the first year after taking over management of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in December 2012.

Man arrested from opposition’s weekly prayer gathering

Riot police officers on Friday arrested a man from the opposition’s weekly prayer gathering outside the Islamic Centre on a charge of disobeying orders. Maumoon Sulaiman, a former Thaa atoll councillor representing the Vilifushi constituency, has been detained for five days.

Police dismantle political party hangouts in central island

Police dismantled political party jagahas or hangouts on the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll on the home ministry’s orders.

MDP reiterates call for consultation over e-voting plans

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has urged the Elections Commission to consult with political parties over its plans to introduce electronic voting in the upcoming local council elections.