Fayyaz Ismail, a contender in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary, has asserted that President Mohamed Muizzu’s refusal to hold a referendum on leasing 500 hectares of land in Rasmalé to the UAE’s Eagle Hills stems from the President’s awareness that the public would overwhelmingly reject the deal.
Responding to a journalist’s question at a press conference held at the President’s Office today, Muizzu said that he would not seek a public referendum on the matter. This comes amid growing calls for a national vote to determine the project's fate.
"Why is he saying no to a referendum when the entire Maldivian public is talking about a matter of this magnitude? Muizzu knows very well that if a referendum were held, 99 percent of the people would vote against it," Fayyaz said in an interview today.
Fayyaz, who previously served as the Chairperson of the MDP, emphasised that this is not merely a discussion about foreign investment on Maldivian soil, but a matter deeply intertwined with the nation’s future and the rights of its citizens. He stressed that the public must be provided with transparent information regarding the deal.
"Based on what we are hearing, this is not a decision that can be made without the consent of the people. If such an action is taken in this manner, the succeeding government will be compelled to bring changes to the project," said Fayyaz, who served as the Economic Minister in the previous administration.
Fayyaz noted that while such changes could damage investor confidence and harm the nation, the Maldivian people would be forced to seek amendments if the agreement contains flaws.
The President’s refusal comes despite the Referendum Act, passed last year through the initiative of his own party, which stipulates that the President may call for a public referendum on matters of national importance.
The Act further states that the People’s Majlis also has the authority to decide on holding a public vote to gauge opinion on significant issues affecting the citizenry.
Opposition MDP members have already submitted a resolution to the People’s Majlis seeking a referendum on whether a project allowing foreign residency should proceed in Rasmalé. However, the resolution has yet to be scheduled for floor debate.
