MDP announces nationwide protests after passing a resolution outlining 12 reforms, accusing the government of weakening democratic institutions

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to launch protests calling for 12 key reforms, following a unanimous resolution passed by the party’s National Executive Committee on Tuesday evening.

At a press conference, MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem said the results of the April 4 local council elections, held alongside two major national votes, showed that the public no longer trusts the government. He said the resolution reflects public concerns over what the party described as increased misuse of state funds, corruption and the weakening of democratic institutions.

According to the resolution, the government is “undermining the foundations of democracy,” and urgent steps are needed to return the Maldives to a path of reform. The resolution calls for the disclosure of political appointments and promotions, and the restoration of compensation for MPs who lose their seats.

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The 12 proposals include shifting the power to appoint the heads of independent institutions from the President to Parliament; reviewing changes to the Finance Rules that the MDP says facilitate corruption; reversing amendments to the Decentralization Act that restrict council powers; and expediting corruption cases involving no‑bid projects and pre‑election appointments.

The party also called for subsidised fuel for fishermen, restructuring the Judicial Service Commission, removing the heads of the Anti‑Corruption Commission and the Elections Commission, reducing government spending, sharing accurate economic data, and keeping commodity prices low. The resolution further proposes forming a committee with political parties and associations to guide constitutional changes, restoring the EPA, reviewing fishing permits issued without proper environmental assessments, and halting environmentally harmful projects.

Protests began in Male' on Tuesday night, with the MDP calling for immediate action.

The resolution was passed under the leadership of interim chairman Abdul Ghafoor Moosa (Gapo), who said the President, not just the ministers who resigned earlier in the day, should take responsibility.

The developments come as the Supreme Court on Tuesday concluded hearings on a petition challenging the constitutional amendment that would strip MPs of their seats if they switch parties or are expelled.

At the hearing, the state asked the court to declare the amendment constitutional, while petitioner Ali Hussain sought two interim orders: preventing the removal of any MP under the amendment until a ruling is issued, and halting disciplinary or criminal action against judges until the case is decided. Chief Justice Ahmed Abdul Ghani Mohamed said the court will inform the parties once a decision on the interim orders is made.