Fear contributes to low turnout at MUO rallies
A severe and wide-ranging police crackdown is contributing to low turnout at opposition rallies. Some hope the ongoing split in the ruling party will help supporters break free from fear.
08 Aug 2016, 9:00 AM
Additional reporting and writing by Mohamed Saif Fathih and Hassan Moosa
A severe and wide-ranging police crackdown on the opposition, including the arrest and investigation of leaders and activists, and the seizure of mobile phones over tweets, is contributing to low turnout at opposition rallies.
Anti-government sentiment is high, fuelled by the jailing and exile of key opposition leaders and an unprecedented corruption scandal that has mired President Abdulla Yameen and his loyalists.
But the Maldives United Opposition, a coalition of former senior government officials and opposition parties, has been struggling to rally crowds for its campaign to oust Yameen.
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