President Muizzu rules out referendum on Ras Malé land transfer to Eagle Hills

President Mohamed Muizzu has stated that a referendum will not be held to gauge public opinion on the proposal to transfer 500 hectares of land in Ras Malé to Eagle Hills. Speaking at a press conference at the Presidential Office, Muizzu dismissed calls for a popular vote on the matter, calling opposition concerns "baseless ideological talks" driven by a political agenda. Muizzu said the Real Estate Bill currently before the People's Majlis adequately protects the rights of citizens, the sovereignty and independence of the Maldivian state, and the country's laws. He argued that the bill secures the rights of future generations and that objections raised by opponents are unfounded. The President's remarks come despite the Referendum Law passed last year by his party, which allows the President or the People's Majlis to decide to hold a public vote on issues of national importance. Opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) MPs have submitted a motion to the Majlis seeking a public vote on whether to allow foreign settlement in Ras Malé, but the resolution has not yet been placed on the agenda.