In a meeting that lasted five minutes, parliament's independent institutions committee approved government-sponsored constitutional amendments to merge the parliamentary and presidential elections. The bill proposes shortening the term of the current People's Majlis by six months – ending on December 1, 2028 instead of June 2029 – in order to hold the polls concurrently. The committee report was placed on the agenda for Tuesday's sitting, where the bill is likely to be passed. Upon ratification, a public referendum on approving the changes is expected to take place alongside the local council elections on April 4.
The Thinadhoo City Council urged the public not to organise sports and entertainment activities during Ramadan. Sports facilities, stadiums and tracks will remain open at designated hours for exercise, but the council will not cooperate with those who violate the directive and take action where necessary, it announced.
The Information Commissioner's Office fined the Islamic ministry MVR 700 (US$ 45) for failing to attend a scheduled meeting regarding complaints about failure to respond to formal requests for information. After requesting postponement of the hearing, ministry officials failed to show up for the rescheduled meeting without providing the required one-hour advance notice. Islamic Minister Dr Shaheem defended his office's RTI track record, saying that all 60 requests received in 2024 had been answered, while eight of 41 requests from 2025 remain pending due to the departure of the Information Officer. The ministry is working to resolve the administrative issue and clear the backlog while maintaining full compliance with RTI laws, he said.
Four people sustained serious injuries in a dangerous accident on the Hulhumalé highway. The accident occurred around 12:45am when a speeding car collided with a stationary vehicle in the car lane, veered off and collided with four motorcycles. The injured persons were rushed to IGMH and Hulhumalé Hospital, and police are investigating the incident.
Air quality in the northern and central regions deteriorated to unhealthy levels, the Met office warned. The haze was forecast to persist for the next four days. Seafarers and those spending extended time outdoors were advised to take necessary precautions and follow official guidelines.
A Sri Lankan excavator operator who was involved in the January 26 death of a Bangladeshi worker at a Thilafushi work site had attempted to flee and was working illegally in the Maldives, police said. Heshan Madhuranga Disanayaka Menika, 32, who operated the excavator that struck and killed 24-year-old Amin Mia, had his detention extended by 10 days and faces charges of involuntary manslaughter. Police allege the operator continued working after the excavator's bucket hit Amin Mia, and criticised WAMCO for waiting two days before reporting him missing.
Maldivian citizens who traveled to Syria before the recently lifted travel ban will continue to face penalties, though travel restrictions between the two countries have now been removed, the homeland security ministry told Sun. The government is working to repatriate Maldivians stranded in Syria, with over 90 nationals – mostly widows of fighters and their children – requesting assistance to return, while at least six families have already been repatriated and placed in the National Re-integration Centre for rehabilitation.
The Elections Commission announced the opening of re-registration for the April 4 local council elections from 10am on Tuesday to 3pm on Monday, February 16. Voters who wish to cast their ballots at a different polling station to the 2024 parliamentary elections will need to submit an application through the EC's digital portal.
President Muizzu departed for an official visit to Germany from February 9 to 13, at the invitation of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The visit, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, will include high-level talks, a bilateral business forum, and speeches at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the German Council on Foreign Relations on climate adaptation and ocean policy.
Police announced the auction sale of seized sea cucumbers with a starting price of MVR 300 per kilo.
The economic ministry announced operating hours for shops, restaurants, and cafes during Ramadan and the six days after Eid. Restaurants and cafés may stay open from 5:30pm to 3am during Ramadan, and from 4:30am to midnight during Shawwal, while shops in residential areas can open from 5:30am to 1am throughout both periods. Ramadan is expected to begin on February 18.
Greater Bay Airlines launched charter operations from Hong Kong to the Maldives. The inaugural flight with 174 passengers was greeted with a ceremonial welcome at the Velana International Airport.
The MNDF team won a gold medal at the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit Competition 2026 that took place from February 5 to 7. A 15-member Special Forces team represented the Maldives military at the competition held at Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi, competing against 24 teams from 16 countries.
