The Elections Commission (EC) today threatened to take action against the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for "unlawfully" conducting its nightly protests in Male'.

In a letter to MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, the EC stated that the police had informed the commission that the MDP was violating the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.

The EC further said it had observed through the media that the MDP protests were hindering transport and general public while raising inappropriate slogans and obstructing police duty.

The commission warned that legal action will be taken if such incidents occur in the future.

"We direct and advise to conduct activities on behalf of your party in accordance with the law and regulations, and if such acts are repeated in the future, action will be taken under the Political Parties Act,” the EC said in its letter.

The letter added that public meetings and activities of political parties cannot be held in streets and public places. It further said the location and time must be notified to the EC 24 hours prior to the gathering.

The Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act was amended during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen to restrict political gatherings by forcing parties to seek government permission to hold rallies.

However, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office with a pledge to expand the right to freedom of assembly by amending the the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.