Excuses and Embarrassment: Ibu Blames Music Shows and Fishing Trips for Low Turnout at MDP Rally

The Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) faced significant embarrassment at its highly promoted meeting in Malé’s Carnival area as the turnout fell far below expectations. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) attempted to downplay the situation by blaming competing events, including music shows and a fishing trip, for the visibly low attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Ibu claimed that a live music show near Rasfannu and another in Hulhumalé coincided with the meeting. He also suggested that government company employees had gone on a fishing trip and would only return after the event concluded. These remarks were perceived as an effort to deflect attention from the dwindling support for MDP.

Despite extensive promotions, including motorcycle rallies and meetings held nationwide, the event failed to attract a substantial crowd. Attendees revealed to "TMJ" that the party had even covered travel and accommodation expenses for supporters brought from various islands, yet only about 750 people were present when the meeting began.

Rows of chairs at the Carnival venue remained conspicuously empty, highlighting the decline in public interest. Critics within the party have expressed dissatisfaction, citing MDP’s failure to address major issues during its tenure and the persistence of failed leadership at the helm.

The meeting’s outcome serves as a stark reminder of the challenges MDP faces in regaining the trust and enthusiasm of its support base, even as the party continues to rely on excuses to justify its shortcomings.