Author

Mohamed Saif Fathih

Saif Fathih is a columnist at the Maldives Independent and a serving member of the Malé City Council for Galolhu North. With his educational background in communications, international studies and public policy, he previously worked as a journalist, editor and public policy advisor, with roles including senior policy director at the ministry of national planning and editor of Ocean Weekly Magazine. Saif began his career as a radio producer and presenter at Minivan Radio, writer for Minivan Daily, and translator for the British High Commission and the European Union Mission to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He is also the host of Ithuru Vaahaka, the Maldives Independent podcast.

116 articles

Episode 14: Suspended without pay – when decentralisation becomes punishment

Suspended without pay, Hoarafushi Council President Mohamed Waheed reflects on due process, accountability, and decentralised governance.

13 Dec 2025, 4:05 PM

Not just flowers and photo-ops: what Malé needs from its mayor

Mayor Adam Azim is campaigning for a second term, but what does it take to lead the country’s capital?

02 Dec 2025, 4:51 PM

Public plots for garbage collection: Malé's land giveaway exposed

President Muizzu handed out Malé's land almost for free.

23 Nov 2025, 1:24 PM

More than a line on an ID card: the permanent address dilemma

Solving one injustice could create another.

06 Nov 2025, 5:15 PM

Episode 13: Breaking up Addu – what's at stake in the referendum

Ahead of tomorrow’s referendum, Addu leaders are divided over whether the atoll should remain a city or return to individual island councils.

24 Oct 2025, 3:45 PM

When is democracy undemocratic? Addu's referendum and the autonomy dilemma

Does local autonomy trump collective will?

22 Oct 2025, 5:29 PM

Beyond rhetoric: four reforms that would genuinely strengthen local governance

City councillors earn MVR 35,000 with no defined duties.

15 Oct 2025, 4:05 PM

Episode 12: Shiman's lawyer recounts procedural chaos after private photo leak

The opposition activist's photo was leaked hours after police seized her phone.

13 Oct 2025, 2:16 PM

Isolate and manipulate: abolishing atoll councils fragments collective power

One island rewarded, another punished for dissent.

08 Oct 2025, 3:20 PM

The opposition that can't oppose: MDP burdened by its own elite

Silence on the Adeeb Files speaks volumes.

30 Sep 2025, 5:29 PM

The fall of Mayor Azim’s bid committee

Why would the mayor form a legally dubious evaluation committee dominated by his political rivals?

24 Sep 2025, 3:54 PM

Episode 11: Dredging threatens Maldives’ precious Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve

Policy changes that fast-track environmental approvals threaten centuries-old reefs. Coral advocates sound the alarm.

05 Sep 2025, 4:38 PM

Adduans still measure development against abandoned British base

"Nothing pledged has panned out for us."

01 Sep 2025, 4:31 PM

Episode 10: Live from the journalists’ protest site

Journalists warn the bill curbs free speech, challenging the president and walking out on the AG.

29 Aug 2025, 5:20 PM

Episode 9: Youth-led research challenges Addu’s development narrative

Project ThimaaVeshi sheds light on Addu’s competing visions of growth and conservation.

22 Aug 2025, 2:54 PM

Government locks down local council powers in final year before 2026 elections

Island councils have blasted the government’s hypocritical undermining of their powers, as a bid for control during election years.

17 Aug 2025, 3:29 PM

Episode 8: Defending decentralised governance with Hussain Shafiu

Baa Atoll Kihaadhoo Council President Hussain Shafiu on the rushed changes to the Decentralisation Act that strip powers from local councils in their final year.

15 Aug 2025, 2:20 PM

Captured by a spreadsheet: how one man controls Maldives' anti-corruption system

The watchdog shields the powerful and denies justice through digital gatekeeping.

10 Aug 2025, 12:11 PM

Nobody knows who owns Malé's land – and that's not an accident

Public land, private deals, zero transparency.

03 Aug 2025, 3:56 PM

Stop the bulldozers: the fight to save Malé's last graveyards

A fatwa came too late for the Maafannu cemetery.

28 Jul 2025, 12:36 PM

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