Chairperson of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Fayyaz Ismail has delivered a sharp critique of the incumbent administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, accusing it of fearing public dissent, not the loss of power, but the visible lack of support from the people.

Appearing on RaajjeTV’s morning talk show ‘Fashaairu’ on Friday, Fayyaz claimed the government is deeply unsettled by the potential turnout for the MDP-led mass protest, set to take place after sundown on Friday. He argued that the administration's urgent efforts to suppress the gathering stem from its fear of being confronted with a sea of ordinary citizens rising against its rule.

According to Fayyaz, the state’s response, including a stern warning from the Maldives Police Service (MPS), reflects a pattern of intimidation designed to deter public participation. He compared it to tactics used decades ago during former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s rule, when opposition-led protests were similarly met with preemptive warnings intended to sow fear.

Fayyaz insisted that the mass protest is not an attempt to destabilize the country or topple the government, but rather a legitimate demonstration of public frustration. He emphasized that the gathering is a platform for citizens to voice their grievances, demand accountability, and resist what he describes as a government increasingly reliant on fear rather than legitimacy.

He also warned that detaining opposition leaders or attempting to stifle the movement through intimidation will not extinguish the public’s growing discontent. Drawing from past struggles, he argued that the will of the people has always endured, regardless of the pressures placed upon it.

As the capital braces for the protest, tensions between the opposition and the government continue to escalate. With MDP aligning itself closely with public sentiment, Friday night’s events could mark a pivotal moment in the political landscape, one where the size of the crowd may speak louder than any official statement.