The MDP is trying to get people from different atolls of this archipelago to demand speedening up of the political reform process. But the government has alleged that the MDP has set up “a sizeable militia” to overthrow the government on November 10 for which specific tasks were allocated to key MDP members at a meeting on October 9.

Gayoom has put in place a roadmap for political reform that includes drafting of the new Constitution by the Special Majhlis, the combined assembly of those elected directly by the people as well as nominees of the President. The MDP argues that there are 29 presidential nominees and they should be removed from the process as they are not elected by the people.

MDP claims that the roadmap is a delaying tactic and that significants amendments can be brought in few months. MDP president Zaki has called for early elections as the current roadmap could continue up to 2008.