Government Approves Sultan Park for MDP Reunion Event

The government has approved Sultan Park as the venue for a ceremony where former President Mohamed Nasheed and members of The Democrats will rejoin the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The approval comes after MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail accused the government of obstructing their efforts to secure a venue for the event, which is also meant to celebrate the party’s 20th anniversary.

Earlier, Fayyaz had announced that if no venue was confirmed before Monday, they would hold the welcoming ceremony for Nasheed near Muliaage, the Presidential Palace. He had called on party supporters to gather in the area at 9 PM on Monday if an alternative venue was not provided.

Responding to the situation, Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdullah Muttalib confirmed on social media that Sultan Park, although initially handed over to the Construction Ministry by Male’ City Council for renovation, would be made available for the MDP event. He noted that the park had not been previously rented out, nor were there established guidelines for venue rental.

Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed also weighed in on the matter, highlighting designated areas in Male’ where gatherings can be held without prior permission. These areas include the Henveiru Carnival area, Rasfannu, Industrial Zone in reclaimed southwest Male’, and Usfasgandu area, as determined by the Ministry of Home Affairs in May.

Heena emphasized the importance of responsible political activities and advocacy while urging political figures to adhere to established rules and procedures rather than making misleading statements to the public. She described this adherence to protocol as a crucial foundation for maintaining the rule of law and democratic system.