President Mohamed Muizzu has characterized the act of protesting as a sign of poor moral character, asserting that elected candidates who do not belong to the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) do not prioritize religion or the nation.
Speaking at a political podium for the first time since the local council and Women's Development Committee (WDC) elections held on April 4—which also included a referendum on merging the two key elections—Muizzu claimed last night that successful candidates who do not belong to the PNC are engaging in immoral behaviour that falls outside religious standards.
"Even before assuming their elected offices, we see these successful candidates protesting on the streets of Male'. We see them creating unrest, using foul language, and engaging in immoral acts that violate religious norms," he said.
Muizzu stated that the public did not vote for these individuals to protest. He added that the people expected them to set a positive example of moral conduct.
However, Muizzu remarked that the actions observed from elected candidates not affiliated with the PNC are far from religious values.
"What we are seeing is the same pattern we always see from those with opposing ideologies. They do not prioritise the nation, nor do they prioritise our religion or faith; they behave in an entirely different manner," Muizzu said.
"Therefore, sensible citizens—those who believe in justice and love their religion—must reflect on this. We must prioritize the nation."
The President's remarks come at a time when the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the People's National Front (PNF) are conducting nightly protests in Male'. These demonstrations have seen the participation of several individuals recently elected to various local councils and WDCs across the country.
The MDP is currently protesting to press the government on 12 specific demands. To date, the government has not responded to any of these demands.
