Politics
While President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inspected the Thilamalé bridge works, he stated that he is resolving issues concerning parking slots issued during his mayoralty, and that he has dismissed a family political appointee over the Th. Atoll resort share issue. A STELCO HR employee has been suspended and an investigation launched after an instruction was heard telling staff to send screenshots confirming they signed up for PNC while a call was placed to a Raajje TV programme. The "Adhadhu" newspaper has lodged a complaint with the President's Office over being barred from President's Office press conferences in connection with a documentary brought about President Dr. Muizzu. Malé Mayor Adam Azim expressed concern that the council could come to a standstill if it does not receive the 10 million Rufiyaa per month from vehicle fees following amendments to the Land Transport Act and the 13 million Rufiyaa block grant. Dr. Ahmed Riyaz has been appointed to the post of Chief Statistician of the Maldives Bureau of Statistics. In addition, the political arena has heated up further with remarks made by President Yameen, verbal exchanges between former Finance Minister Ameer and PNC PG Leader Falaah, and talks that former President Nasheed will contest the MDP primary.
Online news outlet "Adhadhu" has officially filed a complaint with the President's Office, alleging that its journalists are being barred and denied entry to press conferences held by the President's Office. The complaint noted that excluding journalists of a specific media outlet from press conferences held to disclose important government decisions and information constitutes an obstacle to press freedom. Furthermore, relevant authorities at the President's Office were called upon to facilitate equal access to information for all media outlets and to provide a swift resolution to the issue.
On Thursday, 3 September 2026, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom attended a special meeting held at the front office of the People's National Front (PNF) and delivered important remarks. In this gathering, he addressed the party's senior members and general supporters, shedding light on the party's activities and political work. Furthermore, speaking during his visit to the PNF office, he touched upon the party's future goals and the ongoing changes in the nation's political landscape. This meeting was an event conducted at the front office with strong support from PNF supporters.
On 3 September 2026, an issue alleging that STELCO employees were forced to join the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) came to light, leading to the suspension of an employee of the company in connection with the matter. This issue surfaced following accusations of wielding influence to make employees sign up for a political party against their will, and as a measure to investigate the matter, the concerned employee was removed from duties. Occurring at a time when the public and relevant parties have been calling for an end to coercing employees of state-owned enterprises into political activities, it is reported that this incident is being investigated in accordance with the company's administrative procedures.
On 3 September 2026, an issue surfaced regarding a family member of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu becoming a shareholder in a resort. In connection with this matter, significant debates have arisen in political and public spheres, with many parties raising questions concerning conflict of interest. While many are paying close attention to find out detailed information and the decisions of relevant authorities regarding this, the public continues to call for clarification on the truth of this issue.
On September 3, 2026, a fierce exchange of words took place between former Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer and the Majority Leader of the People's Majlis and Inguraidhoo constituency MP Ibrahim Falah. During this debate, both individuals heavily criticized each other and made allegations linking to various political and economic issues. Differences of opinion were also expressed in this confrontation regarding national governance and fiscal policies. As such heated verbal exchanges took place between the two, this became a matter of major attention in the political arena.
Former Member of Parliament Ali Easa (Easa) stated that former President Mohamed Nasheed will contest in MDP's upcoming primary. Speaking regarding the internal political landscape of the MDP, Easa noted that President Nasheed has an interest in contesting the party's primary. While this has garnered significant attention among general party members and political figures, the MDP primary is always a highly contested election. However, no official statement has yet been released regarding this matter from President Nasheed's side or from the official MDP administration.
It has been announced that Dr. Ahmed Riyaz has been appointed to the post of Chief Statistician of the Maldives Bureau of Statistics. Appointed to this post under the Statistics Act of the Maldives effective from August 23, 2026, this change was brought following the expiration of the term of the former holder, Aishath Hassan. With Dr. Riyaz—who holds a PhD in the field of Educational Psychology and has contributed extensive service in the education sector—assuming this post, all administrative work of the bureau will be carried out with the advice of the Minister of Finance. Furthermore, efforts to strengthen the national statistical system and collect and publish accurate information regarding economic and social matters will proceed under his supervision.
Allowing residents of other islands in the atoll to apply for council jobs in low-population islands
On September 3, 2026, it was decided to allow residents from other islands of the same atoll to apply for jobs in the council offices of less populated islands. The main purpose of introducing this change is to find a permanent solution to the administrative difficulties faced by councils in small-population islands due to the inability to find appropriately qualified people for advertised posts. With this decision, qualified individuals residing on other islands within the same atoll will be granted the opportunity to apply for those jobs. Moreover, it is expected that this measure will strengthen council administration and improve the quality of services provided to citizens.
Malé City Mayor Adam Azim stated that cutting the block grant and vehicle fees provided by the government to councils will pose significant challenges to the management of the Malé City Council and to the services being provided to citizens. Expressing concern regarding this matter on September 3, 2026, Azim noted that removing such important financial resources owed to the council would create obstacles in maintaining city streets, upholding cleanliness, and delivering numerous basic services related to the public. He also stated that at a crucial time when financial independence is essential to empower councils within the decentralization system, cutting such revenues is a decision that will adversely impact the council's day-to-day operations.
On Thursday, 3 September 2026, Chairman of Mindco Siyaah Khaleel met with the head of the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) and Chief Judicial Administrator Uza. Adam Shameem. In this courtesy call held at the DJA, official discussions were held between both parties. This marks an important meeting held with Mindco's leadership since Adam Shameem assumed the position of the chief administrator of the judicial sector.
The Vice President met with the members of the HDh. Nolhivaranfaru Council on Thursday, 3 September 2026. During this meeting, the Council discussed ongoing development efforts for Nolhivaranfaru and the difficulties faced by the island's residents with the Vice President. Furthermore, highlighting key matters essential for the island's economic and social advancement, both parties exchanged views regarding the government support required to resolve these issues. The Vice President took note of the matters raised by the Council and assured that the government would extend cooperation towards the island's development.
Dr. Anara Naeem, Member of the People's Majlis for the Huraa constituency, participated in the annual conference of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) held from 3 to 4 September 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Dr. Anara, who also serves as an Executive Committee member of AFPPD, attended this symposium alongside delegates from regional legislatures. In this meeting that commenced on 3 September 2026, extensive discussions were held among members regarding key areas related to population and development, as well as advancing parliamentary diplomacy.
Under the title "Political Cartoon Volume 36" released on September 3, 2026, scenes depicting significant ongoing political developments and the social atmosphere have been illustrated through drawings. The 36th volume of this series mainly focuses on portraying notable events on the political stage and the activities of various figures with a distinct humorous and satirical perspective. As such, this creation consists of special cartoons published to engage the public and provide commentary and critique on current political affairs.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inspected the progress of the bridge work on Thursday, 3 September 2026. He visited the project site and assessed the progress of the various phases of bridge construction. During this visit, project senior officials shared the latest information regarding the progress of the works with the President. Furthermore, he closely looked into the necessary matters to ensure this important work proceeds according to the scheduled timeline.
A special audit has been conducted regarding the allocation and sale of parking slots during the time President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu served as the Mayor of Male' City. The audit report on this issue, disclosed on 3 September 2026, examined the legal and administrative procedures behind how parking slots across various areas of Male' were designated, leased, and sold during that tenure. Furthermore, the main objective of this audit was to ascertain whether regulations were complied with in the allocation of parking slots and whether any corruption or irregularity occurred in the financial transactions of that period.