MDP Resolution Seeks Public Vote on Rasmalé Project, Warns of Direct Action

A resolution has been submitted to the National Majlis of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) calling for a public vote on the controversial Rasmalé Waterfront and Marina project, developed in partnership with UAE-based Eagle Hills, and threatening direct action if the government does not respond. The resolution, presented by Mahfooz Saeed, President of the Qulaafuushi constituency, and supported by Maaruf Zaki, MP for Kendu constituency, includes nine demands. It calls for the commercial terms agreement—under which 500 hectares of reclaimed land in Rasmalé would be handed over to Eagle Hills for 99 years without equity or rent—to be made public. The resolution also demands that no transaction generating rights for Eagle Hills or any third party on the land occur before the public vote results are obtained. The MDP says it will lead awareness activities on the risks of the transaction and hold the government accountable through the People’s Majlis. If the government fails to respond, the MDP will join forces with other parties and associations for direct action. The resolution argues that handing over large areas of reclaimed land built at significant state cost to a foreign company for a long period without financial return violates sound fiscal management. However, the resolution has sparked internal party divisions, with MDP Chairperson and former President Mohamed Nasheed posting on X that opposing the Eagle Hills project is not the right approach and that the party should avoid hostility towards foreigners and nativist sentiments. Meanwhile, some MDP National Majlis members insist the party must take a stand against the project. Former Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid, contesting the MDP presidential ticket, urged that development partners and friendly countries should not be drawn into internal political affairs.