The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) majority in parliament has rejected a bill to repeal the law restricting the right to freedom of assembly.

Forty eight MPs from the ruling party voted against the bill. Ten opposition MPs and one independent MP voted in favour.

Speaking during the debate on the bill, Galolhu South MP Meekail Naseem said he believed it was wrong to keep the bill parked when the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had parliament majority.

He noted that the government was prosecuting those arrested during three demonstrations because of the restrictions in the law.

The law was passed on August 17, 2016 during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen.

Under the law, the Home Ministry announced that gathering without prior permission can be held only at the Carnival Area in Male'.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who defeated Yameen in the 2018 presidential elections, vowed to repeal the law.

But his five-year term ended in 2023 without fulfilling the pledge and the MDP has faced criticism for not repealing the restrictive law.

The current President Mohamed Muizzu also pledged to repeal the law and his Attorney General Ahmed Usham said a bill would be proposed.