Nasheed says Oct 3 rally isn’t MDP’s alone, urges all anti-corruption advocates to join

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed on Tuesday urged people of different political ideologies to come together and take a stand against corruption in the rally the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) plans to hold in the upcoming weekend.

The MDP is scheduled to hold a rally on Friday night at the Artificial Beach in Male’ City under the name ‘Lootuvaifi.’

In a post on X on Tuesday afternoon, Nasheed, who rejoined the MDP in June, wrote that the rally doesn’t necessarily have to be treated as a gathering by a specific political party.

“This is a good rally for everyone against corruption to join,” he added.

October 3 ge muzaaharaa akee vaki party ehge kamehge gothugai dhekeykah nujehey. E ee corruption aai dhekolhu hurihaa enmen baiveri vun rangalhu muzaaharaa eh.

— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) September 30, 2025

The post comes after his office issued a statement on Monday night announcing a high-level conference to address embezzlement of public funds and the unlawful use of government authority in the Maldives.

According to Nasheed, the conference will bring together legal experts, civil society leaders, journalists, and international observers to examine systemic corruption and misuse of official positions across successive administrations – serving as a platform to examine and document entrenched practices of financial misconduct and institutional abuse, and to mobilize public and international support for reform.

“Corruption is not simply a matter of stolen money – it is the theft of opportunity, dignity, and justice from the Maldivian people,” said Nasheed. “This conference is part of a broader effort to restore integrity to our institutions and ensure that those who abuse public trust are held accountable.”

According to Nasheed, the planned conference will feature testimony from whistleblowers and victims of corruption, analysis of documented cases, and strategic dialogue on legal reform, transparency, and international cooperation.

The upcoming rally comes with Ahmed Saeed Mohamed, a member of MDP’s national council and the former managing director of Fenaka Corporation, sentenced to four years on prison on Sunday in a corruption case labelled by the party as politically motivated.