MDP

MDP withdraws from talks, plans to restart anti-government campaign

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is planning to restart a stalled antigovernment campaign in the wake of the re-imprisonment of former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Parliament to consider mandatory Shariah punishments

State to allocate office space for PPM and MDP

The parliament today amended the Political Parties Act, mandating the state to allocate office space or plots of land to political parties with more than 20,000 members.

Maldives extends Independence Day greetings to India

The government and main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have extended greetings to the Indian government and people on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day (August 15).

Street protests could be labeled terrorism by new bill, contends MDP

In a document listing issues of concern with the draft legislation the MDP argued that the definition of terrorism is too broad and could be used as a catch-all provision.

Terrorism bill could suppress political activity, warn opposition MPs

The draft legislation states that inciting violence at demonstrations and threatening the country’s independence and sovereignty will be considered acts of terrorism and specifies penalties of up to 25 years in jail.

MDP undecided on continuation of talks

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) remains undecided on continuing talks with the government despite alleging President Abdulla Yameen had failed to honour a commitment to release former President Mohamed Nasheed.

MDP cries foul over government refusal to honour deal

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on President Abdulla Yameen to honour commitments made to release former president Mohamed Nasheed and other jailed politicians.

Majlis approves foreign freeholds in second amendment to constitution

Some 70 MPs voted to allow foreigners to own land in the Maldives. Opposing MPs expressed concern over lack of public debate and say the amendments paves the way for Chinese military expansion in the Maldives. The second constitutional amendment was approved within 24 hours of it being submitted to the Majlis.

Parliament impeaches Vice President Dr Jameel in absentia

PPM MPs slam Commonwealth ‘bullying’ as opposition MPs warn against isolation

President Abdulla Yameen had sought parliament’s counsel on the country’s membership of the Commonwealth following lobbying efforts for an assessment of Maldives’ alleged violations of the organisation’s principles with the imprisonment of opposition politicians, including former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Council ‘defied’ court order to change un-Islamic Eid banner

The Villigili magistrate court ordered the island’s council to change the phrasing on banners put up on behalf of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Saud Hussain, which read, “MP Saud’s Eid Happiness.”

Maldives celebrates historic penal code

A new penal code came into effect today, repealing a law written in 1968. Government offices, the opposition and influential figures have welcomed the law as a momentous change that will usher in major reforms to the Maldives’ criminal justice system.

On social media, an outpouring of support for ex university vice chancellor

The resignation of Dr Hassan Hameed, the vice chancellor of the Maldives National University, has elicited an outpouring of support on social media and a campaign requesting President Abdulla Yameen to re-appoint him to the university board.

Police disrupt MDP feast

The police stopped and cleared out a gathering by supporters of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) outside its main office in Malé last night. Police officers confiscated tables set up with food on Sosun Magu and used pepper spray to disperse the gathering.

Third meeting of talks rescheduled for Sunday

The president’s office has scheduled a third meeting in ongoing talks with the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for Sunday, July 12.

President to appoint members to university governing council

MDP required to re-register half of its members

The Elections Commission (EC) has asked the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to resubmit forms for some 23,058 members registered without fingerprints. The figure amounts to nearly half of the MDP’s 46,608 registered members.

MDP calls for investigation into alleged unexplained wealth of PPM MP

Progressive Party of Maldives MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed has has spent between MVR3 million and MVR5 million in the Dhidhoo constituency during the past year, the MDP said, but he does not have business interests or “any other legitimate [sources of] income” apart from parliament.

All parties, except PPM, required to re-register members

The Elections Commission has ordered all political parties, except the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives, to re-register members who had previously submitted membership forms without fingerprints.