Politics

Election funding to be released by May 8

The Political Parties Act requires the Elections Commission to distribute some 0.2 percent of the annual state budget within the first three months of the year.

Police raid Dhidhdhoo council offices

Police said the office was searched in relation to an ongoing investigation but refused to provide details.

UAE to open embassy in Maldives

The UAE is the top trading partner of the Maldives. In 2016, the Maldives imported US$332 million worth of goods from there.

Opposition snubs election body

The snub came as the opposition alliance said there had been progress in the talks to field a single candidate against the ruling party.

Nasheed calls for freedom to have fun

Ex-president Mohamed Nasheed recorded a message on SoundCloud that was similar to one issued last month, when he called on people to “make pain your passion.”

President’s re-election campaign seeks volunteers

First Lady Fathmath Ibrahim launched the volunteer programme for President Abdulla Yameen’s re-election campaign at a ruling party rally on Gan island in Laamu atoll.

‘Father’s crime is not supporting the government’: Gasim’s daughter

The opposition coalition rallied Friday afternoon with the families of detainees arrested during a state of emergency declared in February over an alleged coup plot.

Councillor suspensions challenged at High Court

The Local Government Authority’s suspension of councillors was challenged at the High Court last week as four more opposition councillors were told to stay home.

‘State of necessity’ invoked to pass laws without constitutional quorum

The Attorney General’s office asked the Supreme Court to rule that parliament can pass laws without a constitutional quorum when lawmakers boycott votes.

MP Mahloof released to house arrest

The criminal court placed the opposition spokesman under house arrest for the duration of an upcoming trial on terrorism charges raised for protesting outside the high-security Maafushi jail.

India asked to take back gifted helicopter

Maldives wants a Dornier maritime surveillance aircraft to replace the “Dhruv” Advanced Light Helicopter, the Times of India reported.

Pakistan army chief departs

During the official visit, Bajwa paid a courtesy call on President Abdulla Yameen, who “expressed hope and confidence that the Maldives and Pakistan will continue working together on bilateral and international issues of common concern.”

MP Mahloof remanded for five more days

The independent lawmaker is accused of obstruction of police duty for distributing masks during an opposition protest last month, a charge that carries a jail sentence of four months and 24 days.

Pakistan army chief arrives in Maldives

The rare visit comes amid frayed India-Maldives ties after public disputes over the exercise of emergency powers, prompting speculation in Indian media that it is a “political signal” from the regional rival.

Opposition undaunted by jailing of leaders: Ibu

Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who was freed Wednesday after nearly two weeks in police custody, said he was able to talk with other detainees arrested under emergency powers through his cells partition.

IPU ‘praised’ Maldives, reports state media, despite calls to reinstate 12 MPs

No mention was made of the IPU’s calls to immediately reinstate 12 MPs and withdraw obstruction charges raised against 12 opposition lawmakers for entering parliament.

Senior state lawyer resigns over state of emergency

Mariyam Shunana had been critical about a state of emergency that was declared on February 5, with local media reporting she was under scrutiny for her tweets.

Sangu TV slapped with MVR100,000 defamation fine

MP Musthafa defamed President Yameen when he said the present administration has “introduced nothing but theft to the country”, the Maldives Broadcasting Commission concluded following an inquiry.

More than 30 people still in police detention

‘Criminal intent’ no reason to nullify Supreme Court order

The state attorney asked the court to rescind its February 1 order to reinstate 12 MPs on the grounds that it was issued with the criminal intent of toppling the government.