MDP's welcoming ceremony for Nasheed and Democrats to be held at Sultan Park

Jun 21, 2025, 5:18 AM
MDP national council meeting. -- Adhadhu File Photo

MDP national council meeting. -- Adhadhu File Photo

The government has allowed the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to hold its welcoming ceremony for former President Mohamed Nasheed and Democrats at the Sultan Park.

The government earlier refused to allow the main opposition party to hold the ceremony in any of the requested venues. This prompted MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail to urge supporters to gather near Muleeaage, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's official residence, at 9:00 pm on Monday.

The government's spokesperson Heena Waleed reacted to Fayyaz's statement and accused the opposition leader of creating confusion.

Later, in a post on Friday night, Infrastructure Minister Abdullah Muththalib said the MDP will be allowed to hold the ceremony at the Sultan Park in Male'.

Fayyaz had earlier accused the government of obstructing the MDP's efforts to find a venue for the ceremony.

Two years after leaving the MDP, Nasheed’s newly formed party, The Democrats, announced its decision to dissolve and rejoin the MDP. Nasheed also expressed interest in the 2028 presidential election.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

MoU with India to build fitness centres in three islands

The Maldives and India signed an agreement to establish fitness and recreation centres on three islands using Indian grant assistance. Part of the High Impact Community Development Projects, the initiative aims to promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen community ties for residents of all ages.

Pork and alcohol will not be allowed in Rasmale': Muizzu

President Muizzu announced that the Rasmalé development will strictly prohibit alcohol and pork, with these bans to be legally codified. He emphasized that the project aims to attract a Muslim clientele, including Maldivians and foreigners. The 500-hectare site is being sold to a UAE developer under a 99-year lease agreement.

Thalassemia patients continue to face medication shortages

Thalassemia patients in the Maldives are facing a critical six-month shortage of essential medications, forcing many to interrupt vital treatments. The scarcity has worsened under the new state-owned State Pharma, which provides only limited supplies. This crisis also affects those with cancer and mental health conditions nationwide.

Tourist arrivals expected to fall short of previous record

Maldives Finance Minister Hassan Zareer announced that tourist arrivals this year are expected to fall short of previous records and targets. The government revised its year-end estimate to 2.17 million visitors, citing geopolitical tensions as a factor. This decline marks the end of a five-year growth trend for the nation's tourism sector.

Bangladeshi national sentenced to 18 years for knife attack

Jahangir Mia, a Bangladeshi national, was sentenced to 18 years in prison and fined seven million Rufiyaa for a knife attack on a Nepalese cashier in Hulhumalé. The victim survived a neck injury, and the court deducted Mia's time already served from his initial 20-year sentence. He was apprehended within 24 hours of the assault.

MVR 59.7 billion budget proposed for 2027

The Maldives government proposed a MVR 59.7 billion budget for 2027, focusing on increased development spending despite a lower total figure than 2024. While revenue is expected to rise, a MVR 9.4 billion deficit is projected due to higher expenditures. The state plans to secure MVR 18.9 billion in financing to manage debt and costs.

Italy awards highest civilian honour to Mahudhee

Italy is posthumously awarding Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee the Gold Medal for Civil Valour, its highest civilian honor, for his bravery in a rescue mission for Italian tourists. A fund has also been launched to support his family following his tragic death during the operation.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox