Politics.
At the 5th Congress of the MDP, which commenced on October 1, 2026, calls were raised demanding the resignation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, urging the revocation of the agreement granting 500 hectares of land to the UAE's Eagle Hills company for 99 years under the Rasmaale project, and advocating its submission to Parliament. Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom traveled to Addu City for the political activities of the People's National Front (PNF) and stated that a future administration would not honor the land agreement granted under the Rasmaale project, vowing to halt it. Meanwhile, some relevant officials have been suspended from their posts over the luxury upgrading of prison cells.
The 2026 Congress of the main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), officially commenced on the night of Thursday, October 1, 2026, in the Male' City Council area. Senior leaders and delegates of the party attended this inaugural event, during which Party Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed, along with former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, spoke in strong criticism of the government's policies. In addition, during this ceremony, participants expressed their sentiments with posters calling for the resignation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. On the sidelines of this congress, activities such as conducting an investment forum targeted at island development and debating proposed amendments to the party's constitution have also begun.
Criticisms and various discussions are taking place among the public and in the political arena regarding the allocation of 500 hectares of land under the Rasmale project. As citizens and the opposition continue to express concern regarding the agreements of this project and the policies used in leasing the land, voices calling to reveal the truth of this matter have grown louder. However, the government states that this project is an important one being carried out in the manner most beneficial to the state and with the objective of finding a permanent solution to the people's housing issue. Therefore, many consider it important at this time for the relevant authorities to disclose further details to clarify the truth of the matters being circulated regarding this land.
To expand the political activities of the People's National Front (PNF), former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has decided to travel to Addu City, and preparations have begun to hold special meetings of the party in the city. During this trip, in addition to visiting various islands in Addu City and meeting party supporters, it is scheduled to discuss important issues concerning the general public and strengthen party operations. Furthermore, these meetings are vital political activities being carried out to further strengthen the political role of the PNF and expand the party's administration across the atolls.
A number of prison officials suspected of being involved in 'luxuriating' prison cells contrary to standard regulations were suspended from their jobs on 1 October 2026. This measure was taken after an issue came to light and was investigated regarding the provision of special privileges and luxury amenities to certain cells in clear violation of prison rules. Relevant authorities are conducting further investigations into this matter, and the officials were suspended pending the conclusion of that investigation.
