Left-wing political movement 'Navaanavai' announced plans to stage a protest on June 22, to demand accountability over inadequate action by parliamentarians to guarantee fiscal protection of the public amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
The movement criticised the government's Income Support Allowance scheme, citing the monthly MVR 5,000 as an inadequate amount to guarantee financial stability.
Moreover, Navaanavai called on the authorities to establish a moratorium on rent and ban forceful evictions over the outbreak.
MDP candidates boasted transparency with their asset declarations but this shows they are inconsistent. 7 biggest donors to MDP and all donors to PPM have contributed amounts that exceed the permitted limit in campaign finance laws and continue to operate with impunity. @OCCRP
— ނަވާނަވައި (@navaanavai) June 13, 2020
They cannot represent underpaid workers, helpless tenants, islands left behind in the constant drive to centralise resources and wealth in Malé. They cannot guarantee safe working conditions, adequate housing, and healthcare for ordinary people. They represent their donors.
— ނަވާނަވައި (@navaanavai) June 13, 2020
According to the movement's spokesperson Fathimath Saaira, Navaanavai aims to further demand measures to tackle climate change and call for appropriate steps to ensure protection of the environment.
She also advised all participants to observe best practices in health hygiene and wear masks during the protest.
A virtual organizers meeting will be held by the movement on Wednesday at 2000 hrs.
The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services previously reported that by June 1, 200 persons had reported being either homeless or unable to pay rent over the economic standstill caused by the health crisis and subsequent shut down of tourism.
Previously, Navaanavai had staged a peaceful protest in late 2018, demanding to safeguard the parliament from the influence of business tycoons, in front of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the four leaders of the ruling coalition; Qasim Ibrahim of Jumhooree Party (JP), former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Imran Abdulla of Adhaalath Party (AP) and former president Mohamed Nasheed.
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