Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s supporters across the Maldives gathered on Saturday to show their “unwavering support for the government”.
A peaceful rally was held simultaneously in 25 islands of the Maldives, where the party supporters drove around on motorbikes and pick-ups with placards and banners declaring their support for the ruling party.
According to PPM, supporters that took part in the rally had thanked the government and president Abdulla Yameen for all the development projects that are being carried out, and for making the lives of average citizens easier.
PPM had hosted an event in capital Male City on Saturday as well. They are to host more events in the coming week, including a children’s eve and a music show.
According to the party’s vice president and Fonadhoo MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla, these events are being held to mark the ninth anniversary of the new Constitution and to honour all the valuable services President Yameen had personally provided to the country.
Speaking at the event held in Male’, PPM’s parliamentary group leader Villimale MP Ahmed Nihan highlighted how the events held in Male’ are not going to be political rallies as it would disturb the citizens living in the cramped city of Male.
While PPM maintains that they have a clear majority across the country, the new opposition alliance on Saturday leaked text messages that were allegedly sent by ruling party officials, ordering all government employees and civil servants in Hithadhoo of Addu atoll to attend a party meeting that was held in the island’s youth centre.
Many government employees who wish to remain anonymous have previously made claims about being coerced in to attending events held by the ruling party, though no official complaints regarding such incidents have been filed at any government oversight bodies yet.
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