The religious Adhaalath Party (AP) has decided to officially join the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s rally to be held in Male' on October 3.

In a joint statement, the two political parties said President Mohamed Muizzu has failed to get back on the right track and fulfil his pledges to the people.

“Therefore, both MDP and Adhaalath Party agree that the only way to protect the rights of the people in this situation is for multiple parties to work together to hold the government accountable,” the statement read.

It added that fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution have been withheld and the people's living conditions are deteriorating due to theft and corruption committed by the government.

The government is trying to dismantle the free media to cover up these issues, the statement said.

It also expressed concern over the worsening financial situation which is causing higher prices, affecting businesses and resulting in unemployment.

"There is a danger that the economy will collapse, the country's external debt will go into a default and the basic needs of the people will not be met," the statement said.

The statement also raised concerns over the government's non-payment of funds to private businesses, the failure in providing Aasandha health insurance and the suspension of projects in the atolls.

Both MDP and AP called on its supporters and members of the public to join the rally at 8:30 pm on Friday at the Artificial Beach in Male'.