President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has accused the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) of attempting to disrupt the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) primary election, scheduled to be held on Saturday.
During his campaign trip to Alifu Alifu atoll Maalhos, the President said other political parties have become involved in MDP's primary election.
He said MDP members have to be vigilant regarding this issue, and the opposition parties are trying to prevent the party from remaining in power.
"We are witnessing this on some islands now. You have to think about what their purpose is and what they are clearly trying to achieve. They are doing what needs to be done to prevent the party from remaining in power. They are being disruptive because they know MDP can remain in power," President Solih said.
"They know that the only chance they have of competing with us, is by getting involved in our election and disrupting it."
President Solih noted that MDP is a democratic party and its primary elections have always been competitive. This primary election is also an example of a competitive primary, he said.
The President also emphasised the importance of freedom of expression, and the freedom of assembly.
He stated that public gatherings and protesting were big fears when his administration came into power. However, he said that after his administration was elected in 2018, they made sure that journalists were allowed to practise their right to free speech without interference.
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