Politics.

Two Maldivians were arrested with drugs in Thailand's capital Bangkok on 07 October 2026. The two individuals were arrested during a special operation carried out by the country's security authorities on suspicion of possessing and dealing drugs. In connection with this case, they are currently in the custody of the Thai police, and information indicates that the investigation is proceeding in accordance with the country's laws. Reports state that relevant authorities in the Maldives are also looking into this matter and working to clarify details regarding the incident.

A special gathering titled "Koba Thebe Fene" held as part of the political activities organized by the People's National Front (PNF) was held on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, in Hithadhoo, Addu City. Senior officials of the party, a large number of members of the general public from Addu City, and supporters took part in this gathering. During this meeting, senior leaders of the PNF spoke about the country's current political climate and important matters concerning the public, criticizing the government's policies and sharing the party's perspective. Furthermore, during this gathering, emphasis was placed on further strengthening the party's activities in Addu City and undertaking numerous political efforts in the future as well.

Members engaged in extensive debate and discussed significant matters concerning the Ras Malé project during the People's Majlis sitting. In this debate, members expressed differing views and shared concerns regarding the progress of the project and issues arising in connection with it. Furthermore, members on the Majlis floor emphasized the importance of carrying out the project's work in a transparent manner. Throughout this debate, various parties spoke calling for further clarification regarding important information about the project and the manner in which things are proceeding.

Police have begun investigating an alleged incident where a group of people harassed a woman on the street while she was exercising on the bridge, after it came to their attention. According to information provided by the police, the sexual and verbal harassment faced by the victim in this incident, which occurred in the area including the Sinamalé Bridge, is being investigated as a serious matter. Police also disclosed that necessary measures are being taken to maintain safety in such areas used by the general public for exercise and transport, and that efforts are underway to identify the individuals involved in this case.

On October 7, 2026, Latheef spoke describing members of the People's Majlis as people who act as though they have bathed in Zamzam water. He said this while criticizing the integrity and behavior of Majlis members. Following this statement, significant attention was generated in the political arena and among the public, giving rise to debates regarding the accountability of members.

The President's Office has refused to disclose details of the gifts received by the President and the First Lady from various parties. Although media and members of the public requested this information, relevant authorities did not agree to make those details public. As a result, questions have been raised and debates have begun among the public regarding transparency and accountability concerning gifts received by senior state officials. Additionally, many parties note that keeping such information secret is a matter of concern under the Right to Information.

On 7 October 2026, Member of Parliament for South Galolhu constituency, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, expressed major concerns regarding the bill submitted to the People's Majlis on the state confiscation of proceeds of crime. Noting that certain provisions in the government-sponsored bill could pose threats to the rights of ordinary citizens and the legal framework, Meekail questioned the bill's clauses. He also emphasized the importance of upholding justice and accountability when drafting such legislation, stating that there are critical amendments that need to be made to the bill.

Former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed and former Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail departed for India on October 7, 2026. This trip was undertaken by the two dignitaries following the conclusion of the MDP's fifth congress. During this visit, Fayyaz departed for India from Malé, while President Nasheed traveled after attending a meeting in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. This joint trip to India by the two dignitaries is a notable and significant visit in terms of bilateral relations and the political landscape.

In order to accelerate the pace of various development projects underway in the Maldives, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu held important meetings with relevant stakeholders and instructed them to expedite the works. During these meetings, discussions were held and directives were given regarding measures that must be taken to proceed with the government's projects without interruption and to produce prompt, desired results for the public. Furthermore, the President emphasized the need for all institutions to work collaboratively, prioritizing the swift completion of basic and infrastructure development projects essential for citizens according to schedule.

Ahmed Azaan has stated that citizens should have the power to recall members of the People's Majlis. He highlighted that directly entrusting citizens with the authority to remove those members is extremely important in order to hold elected representatives accountable and uphold democratic principles. Furthermore, he stated that having a legal mechanism that allows taking such action in situations where public trust is lost would further strengthen the system of state governance.

Maldives Police Service has made an announcement on October 07, 2026, seeking Ayath Abbas in connection with an ongoing case. The police have requested the public's assistance to share with the relevant authorities without delay if they have any information about this person or know of her whereabouts. Furthermore, as part of the efforts by police to locate her, security forces are continuing to collect information required for the investigation into the case.

A report released by the Auditor General's Office highlighted an issue where an employee serving as the acting Secretary General (SG) of the V. Rakeedhoo Council illegally took an additional salary under the name of "Mosque Wage" in addition to the salary of that post; in this regard, it was revealed that starting from 2022, a total of 337,600 Rufiyaa was deposited into the employee's account at the rate of 9,900 Rufiyaa per month as a mosque wage. In addition, the audit noted that 79,771 Rufiyaa from money owed by the council to other parties was also deposited into his personal account without any documentation. In connection with this case, the Audit Office recommended recovering the illegally obtained funds back to the state and submitting this matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for investigation.

In an operation conducted by investigative agencies where drugs were found inside a person's shorts, the individual denied the matter, claiming the items were not his. Although substances suspected to be drugs were found inside the shorts worn by the suspect when he was searched during this incident, he stated that they were not his and that he had no connection to them. Relevant authorities are now looking into further matters that need to be investigated regarding this case and are working on analyzing the substances.

After noticing that the decision to release Abdulla Ibrahim (Aboochaa), who was serving a 25-year prison sentence in a drug case, on parole was made in violation of the principles stated in the law, the members of the Parole Board were dismissed, and he was re-arrested and taken back to prison; Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusaan revealed that this action was taken, stating that the board made this decision without fully taking into account key considerations; the government also stated that instructions were given to review the decision, and he was returned to detention in order to prioritize the safety of the community; the process of taking necessary legal measures and reviewing relevant regulations in this case is currently underway; therefore, with the dissolution of the entire board and the dismissal of its members, Aboochaa was returned back to prison custody.

The High Court on 7 October 2026 commenced the appeal hearing of the 109-year prison sentence passed by the Criminal Court against Hussain Shifau regarding the fraudulent importation of goods using forged telegraphic transfers (TTs). In the hearing of the case submitted on behalf of Shifau requesting the quashing of the Criminal Court's verdict, his lawyer and former Chief Justice Husnu Al Suood stated that the ruling was not made in accordance with the law and that there is no purpose in prescribing an enormous punishment that a human being cannot serve. In this appeal hearing, initiated after Shifau was found guilty of 23 counts filed by the state including money laundering, fraud, and providing false documents, and was handed a 109-year prison sentence alongside a fine of seven million Rufiyaa, the lawyer highlighted that laws were violated in determining his punishment.

The Member of Parliament for Hithadhoo Dhekunu Constituency, Ibrahim Nazil, expressed concern on 7 October 2026, stating that individuals holding political posts are receiving large incomes. He noted that while massive state budget expenditures are being made on political appointees, it is a serious issue that huge financial benefits are being derived from such posts. Furthermore, he said that such practices place a heavy burden on the state finances and that these matters must be reviewed and audited under robust frameworks. He also called for reducing state expenditures and regulating the income and allowances of political posts based on equitable principles.

Janab has made serious allegations regarding alleged agreements signed with Israel across various sectors during the MDP administration. Speaking on the matter, he expressed concern, accusing the previous government of establishing ties with Israel and entering into secret agreements. He also called for the disclosure of details of these agreements and for clarifying the truth regarding these matters to the public. Concerned authorities have not yet officially stated anything regarding these allegations, which have sparked major debate in the political sphere.

Reports surfaced on 7 October 2026 alleging that Ihusaan stated the government is above the law. The remarks discussed in relation to this issue have sparked major debates across political and public domains. Many parties also expressed concern over these claims, asserting that no entity can be above the rule of law in state governance. Various parties have also called for clarifying the truth regarding the claims that such a statement was made.

The government has decided not to grant any leniency to convicts serving sentences for drug offenses. This decision is a robust step taken by the government to safeguard society from the scourge of drugs and to remain uncompromising in delivering deserved punishments to perpetrators of such crimes. Consequently, this will bring changes to the rules regarding pardoning and commuting sentences given to drug traffickers and those involved in such crimes, further strengthening law enforcement. The main objective of this government decision is to deter such dangerous crimes and establish peace and security in the nation.

The government has faced criticism and concerns from many parties regarding the housing list compiled and released by the administration. Complainants on the issue noted that principles of fairness and transparency were not observed in compiling the list, with many expressing displeasure. Various parties are also calling on the government to review this decision and provide an immediate solution to the grievances, stating that rightful individuals deserving of housing have lost out on the opportunity.

Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla has stated that good governance is not merely about establishing institutions, but that its true purpose is providing comprehensive services to citizens and establishing justice. He made these remarks on October 7, 2026, regarding the steps required to strengthen the system of state governance and promote principles of good governance. Furthermore, he noted that prioritizing result-oriented approaches in running institutions and winning public trust is essential.