The Male' city council has been obstructing efforts by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's campaign to organize a rally in the capital, campaign spokeswoman and defense minister Mariya Ahmed Didi alleged today.
Speaking at a press briefing at President Solih's campaign office in the Salt Cafe building, Mariya said that the city council refused to grant approval despite repeated requests by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
"MDP has been requesting the city council to hold the rally. The first time they said was something else happening and didn't give [approval]. When the request was made again, they said someone else has rented the place that night but councilors inside are saying there's nothing happening," Mariya said.
The main rivalry ahead of the September 9 election appears to be between MDP candidate President Solih and People's National Congress (PNC) candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who is also the mayor of Male'.
Despite the city council with Muizzu as mayor allegedly obstructing the president's campaign, Mariya said the government has assured the right for opposition candidates to campaign freely in line with the constitution.
"The other night a Muizzu rally was held in the [Hulhumale'] second phase with approval from Urbanco," said Mariya, referring to the manifesto launch rally held near the Hiya flats.
The government has been acting responsibly and upholding democratic principles, but Muizzu has been violating the constitution as mayor, Mariya alleged.
"As mayor of Male', he is not acting in accordance with the constitution and trying to obstruct the government or the MDP campaign in different ways," she said.
The city council's permission is required to hold events in Male's roads and public spaces.
