Politics
In the PNC's internal elections, Heena Waleed was elected as the president of the party's Women's Wing and Ibrahim Abaan Abdul Latheef as the president of the Youth Wing. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has heavily criticized the government and the administration of various state institutions. The Elections Commission has officially notified political parties not to make unsubstantiated allegations and false statements during political party activities and gatherings. Regarding the issue that arose concerning the sale of land in Hulhumalé for approximately MVR 400,000, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has not ordered to halt the transaction. The government has decided to commence the project to upgrade Malé's roads to modern standards within this year under Chinese grant assistance. Certain remarks made by Minister Ameen and MP Shujau have raised significant questions in the political arena. Mohamed Ismail stated that the most tyrannical regime in the Maldives was from 2013 to 2018.
In the internal elections of the People's National Congress (PNC) on 11 September 2026, Heena was elected as the President of the party's Women's Wing and Abaan was elected as the Vice President of the Youth Wing. This election took place during an important congress and internal voting held with the objective of further strengthening the party's governance and bolstering the leadership of its wings. The election of these two individuals to the posts has paved the way for further expanding the activities of the party's women and youth.
On 11 September 2026, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom heavily criticized the government's policies and the administration of various state institutions. He noted that state institutions have lost their independence and fairness in fulfilling their legal responsibilities, and that government influence has increased. Furthermore, expressing concern over the way the country's economic and political affairs are being managed, he called on the government to ensure the rights of the citizens and make institutions accountable.
A major project to modernize the streets of Male' under free aid from the Chinese government has been decided to commence within this year. Relevant agencies from both countries are currently making all necessary preparations to begin the practical work of this project, which aims to improve the condition of the streets in the capital Male' and find a permanent solution to the flooding problem. Under this project, it has been decided to redevelop and reconstruct the main streets and alleys of Male' to modern standards, integrating water, sewerage, and other utility networks. The initiation of this work will bring great relief to the residents of Male' and commuters who have faced numerous difficulties.
The Elections Commission, on 11 September 2026, instructed political parties and candidates to refrain from making groundless and unproven remarks lacking any basis or evidence during various rallies and gatherings. The Commission announced this instruction with the aim of curbing the spread of false information and baseless claims in a manner that disrupts public interest and defames people. Furthermore, the Elections Commission urged all parties to conduct all political activities responsibly and within the bounds of laws and regulations.
Significant questions have arisen in the political arena following the remarks by Baarah Constituency MP Ibrahim Shujau, who claimed that Minister Mohamed Ameen requested him to convey a message to former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, and the Minister's response denying that he had ever requested any such message to be sent; with the Minister refuting these claims allegedly made regarding the acquisition of a second wide-body aircraft for the national airline, a public debate has emerged over which of the two individuals spoke the truth. Many have noted that the emergence of such conflicting statements from two senior figures belonging to the same party and the ruling coalition raises questions regarding internal communication and trust.
Mohamed Ismail has stated that the period from 2013 to 2018 saw the most tyrannical rule in the Maldives. In his remarks on 11 September 2026, he highlighted the events that transpired politically and otherwise during that term, characterizing it as the period marked by the most tyranny in the history of the Maldives. He further noted that due to the events in the country during that time, citizens and prominent political figures had to face severe injustices in various forms. Mohamed Ismail added that the public must always keep in mind the bitter experience of such an administration.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to proceed without halting the case submitted regarding the prices determined for the sale of land from Hulhumalé. It was stated that it was decided there was no reason to temporarily suspend the land sale transactions in this case, and that the land sale operations carried out by the relevant authorities will continue without interruption. Therefore, it is expected that the arrangements for the sale of plots of land in Hulhumalé will continue without any hindrance in accordance with previous regulations.