The police have stopped the inaugural congress of People's National Front (PNF), former President Abdulla Yameen's new party.
The congress was scheduled to begin at 10 pm at Ghiyasuddin International School. But police had closed the gates before party leaders and members arrived at the venue.
PNF members, gathered in the area, expressed dismay and called for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's resignation.
Adhadhu journalist Mohamed Shahzan reported that PNF supporters entered the school although the gate was closed and police reacted by using force to stop them.
Ghiyasuddin International School is a privately run school in Male'. The school hall was prepared for PNF's inaugural congress.
Police said they were acting on a request from the Ministry of Education to protect the school and stop an unauthorized gathering.
"Ghiyasuddin International School has requested the Ministry of Education to stop an unauthorized rally at the school and protect the school. Police are attending to the matter," a police spokesperson said.
Earlier on Tuesday night, PNF's founder and Yameen's son Zain Abdulla Yameen alleged authorities of planning to disrupt the inaugural congress.
The school had agreed to allow holding the congress in the hall, but police later came with a document claiming that the school wanted to change the decision, Zain said.
"The school sent an email saying that the ceremony [congress] cannot be held. So we will refund any advance or fee you have paid to us. Please give us an account number," Zain said.
