The government must hold a public referendum before giving Maldivian land to foreigners, because the plan was not part of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s election manifesto, lawyer Ali Hussain said last tonight.
Ali Hussain is spokesperson for the “Dhivehinge Bin Dhivehinah” national movement. He spoke at a rally the movement organised and said the manifesto the PNC presented in 2023 did not mention allocating Maldivian land to foreigners.
“Bringing foreigners, particularly people of religions other than Islam, to populate the Maldives was not part of the 2023 PNC manifesto. Therefore, no mandate was given to bring and settle foreigners and non-Muslims in the Maldives. Consequently, a vote must be called again. There is no way to proceed without holding that vote,” he said.
Ali Hussain argued that the government cannot take major national decisions without consulting the public, and that the President has no discretion to decide whether to hold a referendum.
“Under Article 115 of the Constitution, this is a responsibility entrusted to the President. It is not an option for the President. It is not a discretionary matter. I am calling this a responsibility,” he said.
“Seeking a public referendum on matters concerning the citizens and issues of national importance is an obligation of the President. Hold the vote.”
The government signed the commercial terms to sell 500 hectares of Rasmalé to UAE-based developer Eagle Hills on 21 September. The land is being reclaimed from Fushidhiggaru Falhu using state funds. The government has not announced any pause in signing the definitive agreement, and unconfirmed reports suggest it will sign the final contract this month.
