Maldives News

Elections commission withdraws appeal against poll delay

The elections commission has withdrawn its appeal of a civil court judgment that postponed next year’s local council elections by two months, drawing fierce criticism from political parties over the independence of the electoral body.

Maldives to pay US$15m for scrapping Nexbis border control deal

Malaysia-based security firm Nexbis Solutions has won an arbitration award of US$15 million as compensation for the Maldivian government’s termination of a US$39 million border control project.

Knife left on ruling party lawmaker’s door

A kitchen knife was lodged in the door of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives lawmaker Riyaz Rasheed’s home in Malé Tuesday night.

Man fined US$7,000 for caging protected bird species

The Environment Protection Agency has fined a Maldivian man MVR111,500 (US$7,200) for capturing and keeping protected birds in his backyard. The hefty fine is the first imposed by the EPA for caging protected bird species.

PPM MPs’ fuel supplier wins lawsuit against ports company

The civil court ordered the state-owned Maldives Ports Limited to buy diesel for its vehicles exclusively from Meridiam Services, a company linked to ruling party MP Riyaz Rasheed.

Media council elects new leadership amid press freedom concerns

Concerns have been raised about the independence and the lack of professional experience of the new members elected to the print and online media regulator at a time when press freedom is under threat.

OPEC Fund lends US$50m for new airport terminal

Sentencing postponed for convicted Raajje TV journalists

The criminal court found two journalists from the opposition-aligned Raajje TV guilty today on controversial charges of obstructing police duty. However, in an unusual move, the sentencing has been postponed to January 24.

MDP accuses electoral body of ‘curtailing election observation’

The commission gave three working days to register representatives for nearly 500 candidates and refused to accredit several observers, the MDP said.

Two Maldivians test positive for Zika

Two Maldivians have tested positive for the Zika virus since the authorities began a surveillance programme to determine if the mosquito-borne virus is spreading in the country.

Radical cleric appointed to top Islamic council

Shameem is known for preaching against multi-party democracy, liberalism and for being a jihadist-sympathizer in the on going Syrian conflict.

Former MMPRC chief faces new corruption charges

The ACC has asked the chief prosecutor to press corruption charges and initiate legal proceedings against Abdulla Ziyath to seize a plot of land he bought from public funds embezzled from MMPRC

Anti-graft watchdog prompts criticism for ruling out corruption in biggest ever property deal

The anti-graft watchdog has come under fire for declaring legal the government’s choice of a contractor to build a new wing for Malé’s public hospital, a project worth MVR2.1billion (US$140million)

Uproar after watchdog head ‘lauds’ Maldives human rights situation

Media reports that the president of the human rights watchdog dismissed concerns over abuses in the Maldives have provoked widespread condemnation on Twitter.

Media regulator throws out libel complaint against state TV

MBC said it would not investigate TVM for defaming Nasheed and Gayoom in a decision that stands in start contrast to action it has previously taken against opposition aligned station, Raajje TV.

PPM slams elections commission for closing nominations for council polls

The PPM did not make any nominations when the extended deadline expired on December 1.

Yet another policy reversal puts affordable housing out of reach for Malé residents

When Malé’s landless families drew lots to choose flats in the newly built Tata blocks in October, the keys to their new homes seemed all but assured. But yet another policy reversal appears to have put the flats out of reach.

Why the Commonwealth and Maldives will miss each other

Commonwealth membership brings a wide range of benefits, many of which the Maldives, to its credit, has taken full advantage of, writes James Dauris, British ambassador to the Maldives.

Money laundering checks are a burden on small countries, says Yameen

President Abdulla Yameen has described international money-laundering checks as “red tape” that inflicts disproportionate burdens on small economies.

Jailed lawmaker granted medical leave

MP Ahmed Mahloof, jailed on controversial charges, was granted ten days leave to travel to India to seek treatment and conduct medical tests not available in the Maldives.