The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to postpone its rally scheduled to be held on November 17 due to government obstacles.

The committee formed to plan the rally sent a request to the MDP National Council to decide on the postponement. The request was unanimously approved by the National Council members present at a meeting last night.

But the National Council did not announce a new date for the rally.

MDP Deputy Chairperson Ibrahim Waheed accused the government of obstructing the main opposition party from rallying in Male'.

The government has refused to issue the permit to hold the rally in any part of the capital city. Authorities had also removed banners and posters to promote the rally, while the police had prevented vehicles with loudspeakers from promoting the rally across the city.

Ibrahim Waheed said that time is needed to prepare for the upcoming local council elections and to do legal and other work against corruption and illegal activities being committed by the government.

The MDP decided to hold a rally on November 17 if the government does not respond to its demands. This was approved by the MDP National Council on October 4, following a rally in Male' on October 3.

The demands made at the October 3 rally in Male'

• Repeal constitutional amendments chaining MPs to the ruling party.
• Stop looting State Owned Enterprises
• Pay pending bills to private companies within five weeks
• Bring back the decentralization system
• Repeal media control law and ensure medicine through Aasandha

November 17 marks the second anniversary of President Mohamed Muizzu's administration.

More than 2,500 people joined the October 3 rally and demanded Muizzu's resignation after the police stopped them from marching across the city.