Politics
Chief Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) confirmed on 5 September 2026 that 205 political employees, including state ministers, deputy ministers, and political directors, have been dismissed as part of measures to reduce government expenditures. The Local Government Authority (LGA) has informed councils, banning the hiring of new employees for councils without its permission. Due to 'Adhadhu' newspaper journalist Leevan Ali Naseer—who faced actions in connection with a documentary produced about President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu—refusing to leave the PSM studio, the official press conference Mundhu was set to hold was canceled. An issue has surfaced regarding the secret checking of criminal records of ordinary citizens participating in the 'Raayyithunge Adu' program held to meet President Dr. Muizzu. While verbal attacks were directed at President Abdulla Yameen during the PNC hub gathering, President Yameen also spoke criticizing the government and youth. Major debates have emerged in the political sphere following allegations that President Mohamed Nasheed was fed sorcery from the home of Fayyaz Ismail. Political figures are also expressing views regarding HDC awarding a position to Nizly and the issue where Thinadhoo City Mayor Saud Ali expressed concern over the city's status. The government has urged opposition parties to prioritize responsibility when criticizing the government.
Strong verbal attacks were aimed at former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at the People's National Congress (PNC) hub meeting held on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Speakers at this meeting strongly responded to the allegations being made by President Yameen against the government and the ruling party, criticizing his political activities. Moreover, the main objective of this meeting was to show that President Yameen's criticisms are baseless and to defend the government's policies and the party's work. In addition, senior PNC figures who attended this meeting called on members to strengthen party ranks and remain steadfast with the government.
A press conference scheduled to be held by Minister at the President's Office Ibrahim Khaleel (Mundhu) regarding the journalist of the online news "Adhadhu", Hussain Fiyaz Moosa (Leevaan), was cancelled on September 5, 2026. Although it is reported that this press conference had to be abruptly cancelled due to issues that arose regarding Leevaan, the detailed reasons behind it have not been officially disclosed. Following the cancellation of this meeting, various parties in the field of journalism and media raised questions and expressed concern about the matter. Additionally, no specific date for rescheduling the event nor any other official statement regarding this was released on that day.
Spokesperson at the President's Office, Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), has disclosed that under the policy to reduce government expenditure, 205 political appointees have been dismissed from their positions so far. Providing information to state media, he stated that the dismissed employees include individuals who held positions of State Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Senior Political Directors, as well as Political Directors. Furthermore, the spokesperson noted that the effort to downsize political staff is not yet over, and additional political employees will continue to be dismissed in the future. He also stated that these measures are crucial steps being taken to reduce state expenditure and strengthen government administration.
Nizly, who contested for the Male' City Council, has been given a position at the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Details regarding this came to light on September 5, 2026. While Nizly is a candidate who contested in the Male' City Council election, her appointment to an HDC job has garnered wide attention. However, HDC has not yet officially disclosed further details regarding the specific position or the responsibilities assigned to her.
In a speech delivered on September 5, 2026, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom heavily criticized the youth and the government. He strongly criticized various policies of the government and actions being taken regarding the youth, questioning their role and expressing his dissatisfaction. In addition, noting that the government's direction in running the country's affairs is flawed, he also aimed strong criticism at the government's decisions in his remarks.
Following the conferment of city status to Thinadhoo, the Mayor of Thinadhoo City Council, Saud Ali (or Athif), addressed the island's residents regarding its importance and development opportunities. The Mayor noted that attaining city status would grant Thinadhoo significant administrative and economic powers and resources. Furthermore, he stated that with the city status, the council would undertake numerous efforts to expand services on the island and raise the living standards of the general public. He also stated that with this change, Thinadhoo's role at the regional level would be further strengthened.
On Saturday, 5 September 2026, questions were raised and criticisms were directed at whether the people are receiving real benefits and advantages from a people's government. In this regard, the importance of prioritizing the public interest in governance and assessing whether government policies bring positive changes to the standard of living of ordinary citizens was highlighted. Furthermore, stating that the true outcome of a government established in the name of the people should be direct relief, convenience, and progress for the public, widespread debates and questions were raised on this day regarding the extent to which these things are being achieved.
As reported on 5 September 2026, serious allegations have surfaced claiming that former President Mohamed Nasheed is being fed sorcery (black magic) from Fayyaz's house. While this issue has sparked significant debate in the political sphere and among the general public, various parties are expressing concern to clarify the truth behind these allegations. While some describe such allegations as rhetoric aimed at political influence, further details regarding this matter have not yet been revealed by relevant authorities.
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the government officially invited the opposition to prioritize responsibility when criticizing government policies and decisions. The government stated that constructive and responsible opposition activities play a vital role in effectively maintaining a democratic system. Furthermore, the government urged that, instead of spreading misinformation, efforts to hold the government accountable should be carried out through sound principles, prioritizing the interests of the nation and its citizens.
The Local Government Authority (LGA) has barred councils from hiring employees dismissed from State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Following this decision, councils have been instructed not to recruit individuals dismissed from SOEs into council administrative posts under the policy. This decision was made to emphasize full compliance with established standards and regulations in appointing individuals to council posts. Moreover, this measure will facilitate strengthening the administration of councils and ensure that recruitment procedures are carried out transparently within the set framework.
Checking the criminal records of participants in the 'Rayyithunge Adu' program was carried out by the President's Office on September 05, 2026. This measure was taken to verify the criminal records of individuals participating in opportunities opened to meet and consult directly with the President through the program. Along with this, the President's Office is enforcing this policy to uphold the security and official standards of the meeting. Furthermore, the President's Office is overseeing the selection of participants prioritizing such criteria when deciding on applicants wishing to take part in the program.