MDP allege Deputy Mayor initiated attack, reports to Police

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) alleged Male' City Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh had first assaulted the opposition party's member, and said the party had filed the case with Maldives Police for investigation.

Earlier, it was reported Nareesh was attacked at Gaafu Alifu atoll Maamendhoo during his visit to participate in a campagin activity to endorse PNC candidate for Kolamaafushi constituency, Ibrahim Didi.

PPM/PNC on Saturday confirmed the coalition had reported the incident to police.

In response, MDP said Nareesh initiated the assault on an a local youth who was advocating against PNC's anti-democratic conduct.

MDP in its statement condemned Nareesh, stating that his conduct was unbecoming of a senior official of both the government and the ruling party.

The opposition party further said its campaign materials in Maamendhoo were either concealed or destroyed ahead of PNC candidate's visit to the island.

"We call the Maldives Police to take prompt action against those found culpable of interrupting the fundamental rights of election candidates in competitive elections, or those found violating the disciplinary conduct," MDP said in its statement.

MDP also called the current government to create a conducive environment for competitive elections according to democratic principles.

"We urge the President and the government to ensure such conduct from ruling party members and candidates do not repeat in the future," MDP said.

An individual speaking from Maamendhoo, told 'Sun' that the commotion erupted due to heated exchanges between pro-government and opposition supporters.

Reports further claim MDP supporters were agitated after their campaign banners near the island's harbor were concealed by the ruling party's campaign activists.

Despite the number of those involved in the commotion, no one sustained any significant injuries.