Male’, Maldives – The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) staged a large-scale protest march in the capital city of Male’ last night, voicing strong opposition to the government of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Titled “Enough, Destroyed,” the demonstration, which took place from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM, marks the most significant protest led by the MDP since the current administration took office.

The protest began at Artificial Beach with hundreds of supporters marching through the streets, holding placards and chanting slogans against the government. Several senior officials from the previous administration and former parliamentarians also participated, calling for the resignation of President Muizzu and several of his ministers.

Despite the large turnout, the protest remained peaceful, with no reports of unrest. While police officers were stationed across Male’, they did not intervene to obstruct the gathering.

Speaking at the conclusion of the march, MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail asserted that the Maldivian people are determined to take action to change the government. He accused the administration of working to curtail freedoms and rights that citizens have fought hard to secure.

“We need to ensure, even by amending the constitution, that the rights of Maldivians are not diminished,” Fayyaz stated.

He further announced that MDP will continue a series of protests in the coming days to pressure the government to change its course.

During the protest, MDP President Abdulla Shahid also addressed the crowd, urging the government to heed public concerns.

“The government should listen to these voices, observe these scenes, and understand the people’s suffering,”Shahid said in a televised interview during the march. He highlighted economic struggles and claimed that government actions contradict the spirit of the constitution.

Some protesters also called for the resignation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The demonstration was sparked by recent constitutional amendments that strip parliamentarians of their seats if they leave or are expelled from the party under which they were elected. The MDP argues that these amendments, passed and ratified on November 20, violate Article 90 of the constitution. In response, the party passed a resolution in December, pledging nationwide protests until the amendments are reversed.

Additionally, the MDP committed to supporting affected members in contesting their lost seats. Meanwhile, on November 24, former Kendhoo MP and lawyer Ali Hussain filed a Supreme Court case challenging the legality of the constitutional changes.

The protest concluded peacefully back at Artificial Beach after demonstrators marched through major roads, stopping at key locations in the city to make their voices heard.