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October 10, 2024 – In a bold demonstration of defiance, members of the opposition stood in protest outside Parliament today as President Irfaan Ali addressed the National Assembly. The protest, led by opposition MPs, highlighted their dissatisfaction with what they describe as the President’s continued refusal to listen to the voices of the people and their representatives.
As President Ali delivered his remarks inside the chamber, opposition MPs gathered outside, sending a clear message: they will not remain silent in the face of what they consider to be the government’s failure to engage in meaningful dialogue. “A leader who refuses to listen to the voices of the people and their representatives cannot expect us to sit silently in the National Assembly and listen to him,” Hon MP Amanza Walton-Desir said.
The protest, marked by banners and chanting, was described by participants as a stand for democratic values and the rights of all citizens. According to the opposition, the President’s disregard for their concerns—on issues ranging from governance to social justice—has forced them to take this unprecedented step.
“This protest is not about rejecting dialogue; it’s about demanding genuine engagement,” MP Walton-Desir explained. “Leadership is not a one-way street. It requires listening and acting in the best interests of all citizens, not just those who agree with you. Today, we are standing outside Parliament because we believe that the voices of the people cannot be ignored any longer.”
The opposition has been critical of the government’s handling of several key issues, including rising inequality, lack of transparency in governance, and limited opportunities for marginalized communities. They claim that repeated attempts to address these concerns within Parliament have been dismissed or ignored, prompting them to step outside the Assembly to ensure their voices—and the voices of those they represent—are heard.
“We will continue to fight for a democracy where every voice counts, inside or outside the walls of Parliament,” the opposition MPs vowed. “This protest is a reminder to the government that true leadership involves not just speaking, but listening to the people.”
President Ali, addressing the Assembly inside Parliament, did not directly respond to the protest during his speech. However, members of his administration have consistently maintained that they are open to dialogue and have made efforts to engage all representatives. The protest nonetheless reflects deepening tensions between the government and the opposition, as both sides wrestle over the future direction of the country.
