Politics

As part of the special political activities organized by the People's National Front (PNF), a rally titled "Fehi Signal" (Green Signal) was held on September 10, 2026. The rally was attended by senior leaders of the party, along with a large number of general members and supporters. During the meeting, discussions centered on the party's political direction and key public matters, highlighting the work planned to be undertaken by the party in the future. This meeting was a significant gathering held with the aim of further strengthening the party's political activities and fostering ties among its members.

Minister Mohamed Ameen, on September 10, 2026, denied statements made by Ibrahim Shujau alleging that Ameen had requested him to deliver a message to President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. Regarding this matter, Minister Ameen stated that he had never at any point requested Shujau to convey any message to President Yameen, and that the claims made were completely baseless and contrary to the truth. He also noted that spreading such claims to politically mislead the public is unacceptable. Furthermore, the minister called for the truth of the matters to be stated clearly, rather than seeking political advantage through the dissemination of such false information.

On 10 September 2026, the court convicted and sentenced individuals involved in drug-related cases, ordering the imprisonment of a property owner among them. In this case, following trial proceedings, the court handed down statutory penalties to the convicted parties. Furthermore, the property owner who permitted drug activities on the premises or was complicit in them was convicted and sentenced to prison.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which had previously scheduled its congress for September, officially decided on 10 September 2026 to hold it from 1 to 3 October 2026. As party leadership stated during a press conference, the congress had to be postponed due to difficulties and obstacles posed by the government in securing an adequate venue for the gatherings. While it has been decided to hold the congress using the Malé City Council hall and tents pitched on its grounds, the event is set to feature amendments to the party's constitution, a special investment forum targeting councils, and crucial decisions regarding the upcoming presidential primary.

Online news outlet "Adhadhu" was banned and denied the opportunity to attend a press conference held by the President's Office. Amid growing concern from many who state that this infringes on press freedom, it was noted that the President's Office decision violates principles of providing information to media outlets equitably. However, the President's Office has not officially clarified the direct reason behind the decision to ban the publication from the briefing. Advocates for free journalism and journalist associations are condemning the move and calling for the right of all media organizations to cover government information to be ensured.

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib made important remarks on 10 September 2026 regarding housing issues and the allocation of land plots to citizens. He highlighted that the government is working to find a prompt and sustainable solution to the housing difficulties faced by citizens, and to proceed with land allocation projects fairly. Additionally, the minister stated that priority would be given to resolving various land-related challenges and carrying out the handover of land to rightful recipients under robust policies.

On 10 September 2026, the Chairperson of the People's National Congress (PNC) and Speaker of the People's Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, spoke regarding the party's political progress and a second term for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. He highlighted that the successes being achieved by the PNC as the ruling party, alongside the party's further consolidation and progress, serve as a very important impetus for electing President Muizzu for a second term. Highlighting the importance of party members remaining united in implementing government policies, he also stated in his speech that the party is gaining the people's trust through the development being brought to the nation under President Muizzu's administration.

Expressing concern over the government's economic policies and its approach to managing the national debt, the opposition has leveled strong criticism. The opposition pointed out that the government is not taking adequate measures to address the rising rate of state debt or to find sustainable solutions in economic planning. Furthermore, the opposition called for vigilance regarding the risks such policies could pose to the country's financial situation and urged robust reform measures. Following these criticisms, major debates have emerged across the political arena concerning the government's efforts to put the country's economic and financial affairs on track.

On September 10, 2026, two foreigners were arrested in Hulhumalé along with alcohol. The two individuals were arrested in connection with a suspected case of illegally possessing and trafficking alcohol. The relevant authorities are continuing to investigate the matter regarding the arrested foreigners and the seized alcohol.

On September 10, 2026, a special collection of political cartoons titled "Political Cartoon Volume 37" was published. The 37th edition of this series contains various illustrations depicting significant events and political activities taking place in the political arena at the time. This is a special production published to depict the state of the political arena and notable developments through the medium of drawing. This edition was released to critique political news and affairs and to convey messages through cartoons.

On September 10, 2026, the Elections Commission (EC) urged political parties and activists to refrain from making baseless, unfounded, and unsubstantiated statements during various political activities and gatherings. The Commission made this request with the aim of reducing the chances of inciting discord in society and causing unease among the public due to statements made on political podiums. The EC also reminded them to exercise freedom of expression responsibly and refrain from spreading false information while conducting political activities in accordance with democratic principles. Furthermore, the Commission requested that activities be planned by prioritizing national interests and without defaming others, even amidst political rivalry.

On 10 September 2026, the High Court halted the collection of legal fees in connection with the alleged jet fuel theft case. In this case, the court issued an injunction ordering the suspension of lawyer fee collection after considering points submitted regarding the conduct of the case's judicial proceedings and the cost of the legal services. Following this decision, all procedures related to collecting the fee have now been temporarily suspended until the appeal hearings for the case are concluded and the court determines a ruling.

The Minister of Homeland Security and Technology has urged the police institution to be resolute in providing services at a standard desired by the public. The Minister made this appeal as part of efforts being made to elevate the quality of police services and further gain the trust of the public. Additionally, highlighting the vital role played by the police in maintaining community peace and order and ensuring the safety and security of citizens, the Minister also emphasized the importance of continuing to provide a professional and transparent service.