Politics

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) has decided not to contest the MDP primary and has resolved to support Faisal Naseem in the primary. With this decision announced on 22 September 2026, Ibu's full support will go to Faisal in the contest to secure the MDP ticket for the upcoming election. While this decision is expected to bring a significant shift to the party's internal political landscape and the excitement of the primary, it is also a momentous development for the internal affairs of the party's leadership.

A delegation of Members of Parliament belonging to the ruling People's National Congress (PNC), led by the Speaker of Parliament and the party's Chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdulla, commenced a visit to Islamabad, Pakistan, on 22 September 2026. The party informed that this trip, attended by more than 15 PNC Members of Parliament, is being undertaken upon an invitation from the Parliament of Pakistan. During this trip, they are scheduled to visit the Parliament of Pakistan, meet with the country's parliamentarians, and exchange experiences and views. Furthermore, the People's Majlis Secretariat has stated that this is not an official visit financed by the Parliament's budget, but a personal visit undertaken by the PNC members.

A Thai national, Kanokporn Thavongna, who had filed a case in the Civil Court against Maldives Immigration alleging unlawful arrest and attempted deportation, has withdrawn the case following the cancellation of measures taken against him and his release from detention. The lawsuit filed by the foreigner stated that Immigration had attempted to deport him after arresting him unlawfully and depriving him of legal rights without him having committed any offense. However, while the case was proceeding in court, he informed the court that he no longer wished to pursue the lawsuit since Immigration had revoked those measures and released him. As there was no objection from the state in this matter, the Civil Court concluded the case by deciding that it has been withdrawn.

The 20th anniversary of former President Uz. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom delivering his historic speech in the Dhivehi language at the United Nations General Assembly was marked on 22 September 2026. Speaking in the national language on such an important international platform was a very great honour and pride for the Dhivehi language and Maldivian nationhood. As this occasion is commemorated today, that address remains a notable and important page written in the foreign and literary history of the Maldives. Today, Maldivians still proudly renew the memories of this historic day when the voice of the Dhivehi language was heard in the world's largest assembly.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to conduct its upcoming congress openly, allowing participation not only from party members but also from interested members of the general public; at a media briefing held on 22 September 2026, Vice Chairperson Mohamed Shifaz stated that 986 delegates have registered so far to attend the congress scheduled for the 29th and 30th of this month. He noted that more than 500 delegates registered within the first 24 hours of opening the opportunity, and it is expected that this number will increase in the coming days. MDP also stated that although this is a congress being held under difficult circumstances as an opposition party, every effort is being made to make the event a comprehensive congress that members can be proud of.

Senior government officials have stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is a leader who deeply understands the sentiments of the people and works closely alongside them. Highlighting this, they noted that in his policies and decisions, he consistently prioritizes the interests of the general public and strives to resolve their concerns. In addition, it was highlighted that President Dr. Muizzu demonstrates exemplary leadership in advancing national development by assessing the people's circumstances and listening to their voices.

On Tuesday, 22 September 2026, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom directly challenged President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to contest against him in an election. Amid political differences and rivalries emerging in the political sphere, President Yameen issued such a challenge calling for a face-off in an electoral arena to clearly measure public support. Following this challenge, major debates arose between both leaders' political parties and supporters. This event became one of the hottest and most widely noticed news stories in the Maldivian political arena that day.

On September 22, 2026, heavy criticism was directed at the government regarding some of its policies and decisions, questioning whether it is genuinely an Islamic government. Opposition figures and members of the public expressing their voices on this issue voiced concern over the extent to which the government prioritizes Islamic principles and standards, questioning whether the government's actions conform to the characteristics of an Islamic rule. Following this criticism, debates on the political stage and across social media have become intensely heated, calling for the upholding of Islamic mottos and principles in governing the state.