PPM

EC promises to release political party funds ahead of January’s polls

“We are trying to distribute the funds as soon as possible. It will be given before the preparations for local council elections begin for sure,” EC member Ahmed Akram told The Maldives Independent today. “All that’s remaining now is the administrative procedures to distribute the money.”

After Commonwealth warning, government renews call for dialogue

On Sunday, the government asked the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party and the Adhaalath Party to send details of its representatives for all-party talks “as they were the only parties who have not yet done so despite several previous requests.”

PPM MP slams Sri Lanka for harbouring ‘coup plotters’

MP Riyaz Rasheed slammed Sri Lanka for harbouring “coup plotters,” warning the neighbouring country against interfering in domestic affairs of the Maldives.

Complaint filed over state broadcaster’s live telecast of PPM rally

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party has submitted a complaint to the anti-corruption watchdog over the state broadcaster’s live telecast of a ruling party campaign rally.

Ministers and MPs step up nationalistic rhetoric over removal plot

The opposition is being slammed as traitors, and Maldivians are being urged to “close ranks against colonial powers” described by some as involved in an effort to destroy the Islamic faith

Gayoom’s daughter in Twitter campaign to save Malé’s heritage

Since her first tweet on August 15, Yumna, niece to President Yameen, has criticised her uncle’s plans to relocate an 18th century coral stone mosque to a southern atoll and alleged that a 17th century minaret may be relocated for road expansion.

Press freedom concerns unaddressed in revised defamation bill

A revised bill on criminalising defamation and imposing severe restrictions on free speech was introduced to parliament last Tuesday without addressing concerns raised by Maldivian journalists.

Majlis grants ministers authority over top civil servant

Warning that the changes would compromise the civil service’s impartiality and meritocracy, PPM MP Faris Maumoon breached the ruling party’s whip line again and voted against the bill.

MPs launch lawsuit to wrest control of PPM from Gayoom

Three MPs have filed a lawsuit against Gayoom at the civil court to regain control of PPM.

Gayoom accused of ‘hijacking’ PPM as power struggle intensifies

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been accused of “hijacking” the Progressive Party of Maldives as a power struggle with his half-brother President Abdulla Yameen for control of the ruling party intensified today.

Gayoom moves to take control of PPM

Gayoom moved to take control of the PPM tonight after a complaint was filed with the party’s disciplinary committee urging action against two MPs, including son Faris, who did not vote for a controversial tourism bill.

Government authorised to lease islands without bidding

The ruling party-controlled parliament voted through today controversial changes to the tourism law that authorises the government to lease islands for resort development without a competitive bidding process.

Gayoom urges PPM MPs to vote against government tourism bill

In a message posted on the PPM MPs’ Viber group yesterday, the former president said authorising the government to lease islands for resort development without a bidding process is contrary to the party’s founding principles.

MPs question government’s sincerity in tackling jihadi recruitment

PPM divisions reopen over Gayoom’s opposition to grant Yameen party ticket

MPs and members of the PPM have taken to social media calling for Yameen to be awarded the party ticket without a primary after local media claimed that former president and PPM leader Gayoom had refused to endorse his half-brother for the 2018 polls.

Expanding executive power on agenda as Majlis reconvenes

The People’s Majlis returned from recess Tuesday for the second session of 2016 with bills on expanding executive powers as the first order of business.Ruling party MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed proposed amending the 2007 civil service law to require the Civil Service Commission to consult ministers before appointing permanent secretaries, who must also manage the ministry “in accordance with the minister’s advice and instructions”.

Broadcast regulator accused of double standards

The reconstituted Maldives Broadcasting Commission has been accused of bias and double standards over contrasting rulings issued recently after investigating similar complaints.

Police dismantle political party hangouts in central island

Police dismantled political party jagahas or hangouts on the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll on the home ministry’s orders.

PPM accuses Indian newspaper of defaming Gayoom

Reacting angrily to an article on the Mumbai Mirror about a radicalised Maldivian family of 12 joining Islamic State, the PPM said it contained “factual inaccuracies and fabrications,” and called it “an attack on the country of Maldives, its peace-loving citizens, and its authorities.”

Majlis creates new Islamic affairs council

The parliament has amended the 1994 Religious Unity Act to set up a new Supreme Council for Islamic affairs with the authority to issue fatwas or legal opinions on religious disputes.