Politics


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.
08 Dec 2016, 09:00


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.
07 Dec 2016, 09:00


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.
04 Dec 2016, 09:00


Ban Ki-moon renews calls for dialogue in the Maldives
UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has renewed calls for dialogue between the Maldivian government and political parties, urging the government and the opposition to prioritise national interest and democracy
04 Dec 2016, 09:00


Court delays local council elections
The civil court ordered the elections commission to postpone January’s local council elections, citing the ruling party’s inability to prepare for polls in the wake of a bitter leadership dispute.
02 Dec 2016, 09:00


Ali Waheed resigns as MUO deputy leader
Waheed, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, said he was resigning to pave the way for a leader who lives in the Maldives.
29 Nov 2016, 09:00


Police institution not liable for unlawful arrest, high court rules
The ruling came after the police appealed a civil court’s judgment that declared Sabra Noordeen’s arrest unlawful, unwarranted, and an “abuse of power.” The high court overturned the lower court order for the police to apologise in writing and to erase the record of her arrest.
26 Nov 2016, 09:00


Airport development fee to be introduced in 2017
A contentious Airport Development Charge of US$12 for Maldivians and US$25 for foreigners departing from the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport was voted through by the ruling party-dominated parliament Thursday night.
26 Nov 2016, 09:00


Candidates who lose political party primaries barred from contesting in elections
The parliament has revised the political parties law to bar members who lose primaries from contesting elections on the ticket of a different party or as independent candidates.
25 Nov 2016, 09:00


Court hears closing arguments in case against Raajje TV journalists
A verdict will be delivered on December 19, the court said. Prosecutors reiterated that Wisam and Leevan had tackled a police officer to prevent him from making an arrest.
24 Nov 2016, 09:00


Enforcement of criminal procedures law postponed by six months
The landmark Criminal Procedures Code, approved in April and set to come into force on January 7, will now be enacted in June next year.
22 Nov 2016, 09:00


Parliament rejects proposal to invalidate tagged ballot papers
Ruling coalition lawmakers voted against a proposal to invalidate ballot papers with symbols or markings a day after voting to accept the government-sponsored bill for consideration and sending it to a committee for review.
22 Nov 2016, 09:00


President authorised to constitute religious advisory body
The parliament has granted President Abdulla Yameen the power to appoint members to the Fatwa Majlis, an advisory body that has the final say on religious disputes.
22 Nov 2016, 09:00


Journalist summoned in first criminal inquiry into defamation complaint
A journalist with Mihaaru was questioned over an article in which an opposition official branded three ex MDP members who had called for reforms to the party outsiders.
22 Nov 2016, 09:00


PPM wins legal bid to extend voter registration deadline
The civil court has ordered the elections commission to indefinitely extend the re-registration period for January’s local council elections pending a judgment on the ruling party’s request to delay the polls by two months.
21 Nov 2016, 09:00


Speaker accused of subverting parliamentary rules
Speaker Abdulla Maseeh was once again accused of subverting parliamentary rules to favour the ruling party after he called off votes on key government-sponsored bills on Sunday.
21 Nov 2016, 09:00


Yameen faction seeks court order to delay council elections
As the party’s database, membership registry, and other important documents are missing, the PPM will face “irreparable damage” if the polls take place as scheduled on January 14, reads the case summary.
20 Nov 2016, 09:00


PPM wants to bar candidates who lose primaries from contesting elections
The amendment to the Political Parties Act states that candidates who fail to secure a political party ticket cannot contest elections independently or on the ticket of another party.
20 Nov 2016, 09:00


Q&A: Faris shares his take on where it all went wrong
Faris Maumoon discusses plans to weaken his uncle, President Abdulla Yameen’s stranglehold on power, and shares his take on where it all went wrong, his father’s legacy and how he came to be involved in politics
20 Nov 2016, 09:00


MPs recommend introducing income tax
Amid fierce criticism during the 2017 budget debate of plans to hike import duties and impose new taxes and fees next year, several PPM MPs called on the government to introduce a personal income tax in the Maldives for the first time.
19 Nov 2016, 09:00

