First Lady Fazna Ahmed has stated that the coinciding rallies held by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) have shown that citizens have the right to freedom of expression.
In a Facebook post, First Lady Fazna Ahmed said December 4 was a special evening for the political discourse in the Maldives, as it had shown that political activities can be held peacefully by respecting differences. She said that all citizens can exercise their right to freedom of expression and President Solih has shown aspects of great leadership, such as patience.
On December 4, PPM held a rally at Artificial Beach near Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s meeting hall, at the same time President Solih was holding his campaign event. It was the first campaign event held by President Solih since he announced he would be contesting in the primary election of MDP to vie for a second term.
The two largest parties rarely hold events close to each other, as it had led to scuffles. However, the events held on the evening of December 4 had concluded peacefully. During the events, members of PPM heavily criticised President Solih, and the president said that it showed that heads of state can lead the nation without imprisoning critics.