Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voiced deep concern over the recent wave of violence in the Maldives on Monday, warning that the country was seeing the return of the “dark days” experienced during the first Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) administration.

In a statement on Monday night, the main opposition party said that all Maldivian citizens have the right to a dignified life and the sanctity of their homes.

“Given the spikes in violent crime we experienced during PPM’s rule between 2013 and 2018, we are alarmed to see the current trajectory of events unfold. Our progress as a nation in preventing violence cannot be allowed to unravel,” said the party.

MDP described the new PPM-PNC administration’s response to the recent wave of violent crimes as “lackluster.”

“As we pray for the health and safety of the victims, we demand changes in the new administration’s lackluster response to these horrific events,” said the party.

MDP expressed concern over the delay in the appointment of a Commissioner of Police, which it said was impeding the ability of the police service to keep the streets safe.

The party called upon the government to expedite the process of appointing a commissioner through the police board.

MDP said that their own commitment to protecting peace and harmony over the past five years was highlighted in achieving the lowest recorded crime rates since 2008.

“We urgently call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration to take necessary actions to ensure the safety of our citizens and community,” said the party.

MDP, which lost its bid for a second term in office in September, had repeatedly warned during the presidential campaign that the re-election of PPM-PNC would see a rise in violent crimes.

Monday’s statement comes after a series of recent gang attacks in Male’ City and Addu City. The police have arrested six suspects in connection to the violence in Addu, and three in the capital.