MDP begins 20th anniversary celebrations

Jun 26, 2025, 7:04 AM

Flag hoisting ceremony. -- Photo: Mirash Nashim/ Adhadhu

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is celebrating its 20th anniversary, starting with a flag hoisting ceremony on Thursday morning.

The flag was hoisted by party Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and President Abdulla Shahid at the campaign hall in Male' with a breakfast.

The party leadership and members attended the ceremony. A futsal tournament and a podcast are planned by the youth wing to celebrate the occasion.

Among other activities planned for the celebration, MDP will hold rallies in all the cities across the country, starting with Kulhudhuffushi on July 11.

Anniversary cake cutting. -- Photo: Mirash Nashim/ Adhadhu

The main opposition party also plans to launch the Ran Reendhoo (Golden Yellow) run in all the islands. It will be launched on July 18 and will end in May 2026.

In addition to these activities, a music show, carnival and art exhibition will also be held. The party said more information will be disclosed in the coming days.

The MDP is the first political party to be registered under the new Constitution. The party won the first multi-party elections in the Maldives in 2008.

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)

Comments

Elections Commission dissolves The Democrats

Jun 4

Nasheed rules out presidential bid

Jun 3

Nasheed accuses Muizzu administration of intruding into private lives

Jun 3

Yameen endorses MDP candidate in Hithadhoo North by-election

Jun 1

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.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox