Former President Mohamed Nasheed, who secured a landslide victory in the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson election, has warned the government to immediately reverse disciplinary actions taken against state-owned enterprise (SOE) employees for participating in his campaign activities.
Several SOE employees were suspended or transferred after taking part in campaign events for the MDP Chairperson election. Among those affected was the husband of a woman who performed a song to welcome Nasheed during his visit to Gaaf Alif Mamendhoo; he was suspended for 15 days without pay. In addition to him, three other residents of the same island working at the Kooddoo Fisheries Complex and three individuals from Gaaf Alif Villingili were also suspended.
Speaking at an event held at Artificial Beach last night to celebrate his victory, Nasheed said that the measures taken by companies against employees involved in MDP campaign activities were unjust and must be rectified.
Nasheed warned that if these issues are not resolved, he would lead protesters to the head offices of these companies in Male' and "occupy" them.
"We will not back down. The government must understand very clearly that those who supported us among the employees of state-owned companies have been treated unfairly. I call upon the government to rectify these matters by tomorrow. Otherwise, we will take to the streets. We will occupy the head offices of all these companies located in Male'," Nasheed declared.
"We will resort to direct action. The government must not treat anyone unjustly. We will be watching, and we remain ready to mobilize at any moment."
In the Chairperson election, Nasheed—who has previously served as both the President and Chairperson of the MDP—secured 68 percent of the vote, defeating Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem, the candidate backed by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
