Politics

During the congress of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), vice presidents and senior positions of the party were elected, and the results of those elected to these posts were announced on 16 September 2026. Among those who contested for the six vice-presidential positions, the posts were won by Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, Chief Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu), Baarah Constituency MP Ibrahim Shujau, and Nilandhoo Constituency MP Fathimath Saudha. While party delegates and National Council members cast their votes in this election, the fiercest competition was witnessed in the election to select the vice presidents. These elections represent crucial decisions undertaken with the objective of strengthening internal governance and solidifying leadership within the PNC.

Regarding the issue of attendees placing their hands on their chests while the national anthem was being sung at the People's National Congress (PNC) congress, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom voiced his thoughts on the matter on 16 September 2026. In this regard, he shared his views on whether the practice of placing one's hand on the chest while singing the national anthem aligns with the established protocols observed in the Maldives so far for paying respect to the national anthem. President Maumoon's remarks regarding this occurrence at the political party meeting were a notable statement referencing the official norms and decorum that must be observed while the national anthem is being sung.

In a speech delivered by Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, he stated that every ruler who governs a nation should be given at least two terms. While stating that true development and stability can only be brought to a country by giving the governing authority adequate time, he mistakenly mentioned former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's name and immediately apologized. As soon as this incident occurred, he corrected himself and proceeded with his remarks. Following these remarks, this matter attracted widespread attention in the political arena.

Maryam Shiuna has secured first place and achieved victory in the People's National Congress (PNC) Women's Movement election. This was a notable accomplishment she achieved by leading the race among the candidates who contested to head the party's women's movement activities. Following her victory in this election, it is anticipated that significant efforts will be undertaken to further strengthen the PNC's women's movement and expand the role of women in the political arena.

Following her election to the Senate of the People's National Congress (PNC), Aminath Namza has lost her position as a member of the Board of Directors of Public Service Media (PSM). According to the PSM Act, a board member cannot hold a senior position in a political party or be actively engaged in political activities; therefore, upon her election as a PNC Senate member, she was disqualified from PSM board membership. Consequently, in accordance with the standards stipulated by law, the position she held on the PSM Board was invalidated and has become vacant.

In a special operation conducted by the police on 16 September 2026, an apartment containing narcotics was searched, and a live crocodile along with a golden gun were taken into police custody. Following the discovery of narcotics and such illegal items in the apartment, police seized the items and initiated work to gather evidence necessary for the case investigation. Police are currently conducting further investigations into all matters related to the crocodile, weapon, and drugs found in the apartment.

A young man arrested with over a kilogram of narcotics was found guilty and sentenced by the court to 17 years in prison on 16 September 2026. He was arrested in this case during an operation carried out by the police to seize a large quantity of narcotics, and the charges raised against him by the state following the investigation were proven in court. Therefore, following his conviction in this drug case, in addition to the prison sentence, a fine prescribed by law has also been imposed on him.

Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) has stated that it is extremely important for officials to be held accountable through sessions that provide citizens the opportunity to ask questions. Speaking on the matter on 16 September 2026, he highlighted that holding such meetings is vital to explain government matters to the public with transparency and to hold state officials directly accountable to the people. Furthermore, he noted that direct responses from officials to public concerns and questions would enhance trust between the government and the public. He described such platforms as a fundamental feature that must be prioritized in governance in accordance with democratic principles.

As revealed on 16 September 2026, 153 special operations have been successfully conducted to stop fraudulent acquisition of money or scams. Under these operations, more than 200 phone numbers used in carrying out scams were identified, disconnected, and cancelled. These measures are a crucial step taken to protect the general public from major financial losses and to stop crimes committed through telecommunication networks.

On 16 September 2026, a call was made and decided to end the pardoning of drug traffickers in order to stop the political game. The primary objective of this step is to put an end to granting leniency and pardons to major drug offenders for political gain, and to strengthen the law enforcement system. Furthermore, it was noted that it is imperative to fully administer the rightful punishment to perpetrators of such crimes to protect the community from dangerous drug trade networks. With this decision, it is believed that efforts against the scourge of narcotics will gain additional strength, free from political influence.

Major debates have arisen on 16 September 2026 regarding allegations surfacing in the political arena and among the public claiming that the First Lady of the Maldives influences various government matters. While opposition parties allege that she is involved in government decisions and appointments to posts, various parties are expressing concern over the matter and calling for clear transparency. However, government supporters have denied these allegations, characterizing them as baseless political talk. Political and social criticism and differences of opinion regarding this issue continue to grow among the public as well.

On September 16, 2026, the People's National Front (PNF) submitted a case to the Maldives Police Service requesting a criminal investigation into the President of the Elections Commission (EC). The party submitted this case to the police stating that the EC President had committed acts suspected of being criminal offenses in violation of laws and regulations, and requested an official investigation and action. Expressing concern over the alleged loss of integrity in the decisions taken by the EC regarding elections and political parties, as well as the misuse of official influence, the PNF requested the police to conduct a full criminal investigation into the matter.

According to reports published on September 16, 2026, Haleel has resigned from the position he was serving in. According to information released regarding this incident, he made this decision after officially submitting a letter of resignation. However, the reports of that day did not disclose further detailed reasons related to this resignation. It is expected that more information regarding this matter will become clear from the relevant authorities in the future.

On 16 September 2026, Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik highly praised the political personality and efforts of former President Mohamed Nasheed. Speaking along these lines, Nihan noted that President Nasheed is a notably strong and influential figure in the Maldivian political arena. Furthermore, highlighting the vital role President Nasheed plays in the nation's political life and his political philosophy, Nihan spoke in support of his courage and capability. Such shifts and words of praise in the political sphere garnered significant attention in the political landscape of that day.

In his speech on 16 September 2026, the President highlighted that the nation's youth are distancing themselves from political affairs. He stated that while the role of youth is immense in building the nation's future, declining youth participation in political activities and decision-making is a concerning matter. He also stated that for national development and the strengthening of democracy, it is important for young people to step into the political arena, express their opinions responsibly, and take initiative.

Hassan Latheef participated in the "Big Change" program held on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. Participating in this program, he discussed related important matters and shared views. This event was an important program carried out with a focus on positive changes that could be brought to the sector.

Former Member of Parliament Ali Hussain has raised a question, asking whose place "Dhimyaath" is if resorts in the Maldives are state properties. In this matter, Ali Hussain noted that, in connection with discussions regarding resort ownership and the extent of state shares, there are things that need to be clarified regarding the true status of Dhimyaath. This question was aimed at pointing out the differing standards applied to state property versus private premises, sparking debate over equality in the matter. He also believes that citizens must clearly know how things work in such matters.