Fayyaz Ismail: President Muizzu Opposes Referendum on Ras Malé Land Transfer Because He Knows Public Will Reject It

Fayyaz Ismail, who is contesting in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary, has stated that President Muhammad Muizzu will not hold a referendum on the transfer of 500 hectares of land from Ras Malé to Equal Hills in the UAE because the President knows the public will overwhelmingly reject the proposal. During a press conference at the President’s Office today, President Muizzu replied to a journalist’s question, stating he would not order a referendum on this matter, despite many people calling for one before a decision is made on the project. "Why is it being said that while so many people across the Maldives are talking about this so much regarding a referendum, the President Muizzu knows well that if a referendum were held, 99 percent of the people would say no to this," Fayyaz said in an interview given today. Fayyaz, who previously served as the chairman of the MDP and as the Economic Minister of the previous government, stated that this is not just a story about foreign investment on a piece of land; rather, it involves various significant matters related to the country’s future and citizenship. Therefore, he said it is necessary to provide clear information to the public. "If what we hear is true, it is not something that can be decided without the voice of the people. If such a thing is done in this manner, then the next government will be forced to make changes to this project," said Fayyaz. He said that although there would be great losses to the entire country due to the loss of trust among foreign investors, if there are major errors in the agreement, Maldivians will be forced to bring about those changes. While Muizzu made these remarks, the Referendum Act, which was spearheaded by his party last year and passed, states that the President may decide to hold a referendum on nationally important issues. Furthermore, the law states that the People’s Majlis may decide to hold a vote to seek the opinion of the general public on important matters concerning the citizens. Opposition MDP Members of Parliament have submitted a proposal to the People’s Majlis to go for a referendum to check whether a project should be carried out in Ras Malé to allow foreigners to settle. However, this resolution has not yet been included in the Majlis agenda.