MP Ibrahim Didi says no referendum needed on Rasmale deal

Ibrahim Didi, the MP for Feydhoo Dhekunu constituency, stated on Tuesday that a referendum is not required regarding the Rasmale land deal with UAE-based Eagle Hills. Speaking in Parliament, Didi said the Constitution clearly specifies the circumstances under which a referendum must be held, and such a situation does not currently exist in the Maldives. This comes after several MPs from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) called for a referendum before leasing part of Rasmale to Eagle Hills for 99 years. Former President Abdulla Yameen also demanded a public vote. The government says the project will bring $20 billion in investment, while Eagle Hills says $12 billion. A resolution calling for details of the agreement was rejected by the PNC supermajority in Parliament.