Tensions rose after school students were brought out to greet President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who visited Haa Alifu Ihavandhoo on his campaign trip for the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP)'s primary election.
A message was sent from Ihavandhoo School's Viber group to bring out students from grades one through five to welcome the President, Mihaaru News reported.
The school requested students of those grades to appear in the port area when the President was due to arrive in traditional or national clothing.
Solih arrived in Ihavandhoo on Tuesday to campaign for the party's presidential ticket in the upcoming election.
Parents have expressed their unhappiness over the request to bring students to greet the President when he visited the islands. There was no official word from the school on this matter.
In a circular signed by Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali on December 3, 2018, she had requested students not be brought to such events as it is unnecessary.
It was a longstanding tradition in Maldives to bring students out to greet politicians when they visited local islands on official visits. However, parents have been protesting against it as students usually have to stand for a long time at these venues while they wait, usually in high temperatures.
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