Maldives This Week: 19 - 25 September 2021

On 25 September, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) commenced voting in its internal election, where members will be elected to its national council (gaumee majlis). 

On 24 September, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, on the margins of the ongoing UN General Assembly. The two leaders discussed further fostering ties between the two countries, especially in the area of trade and economic diplomacy. The president also met with the Prime Minister of Kuwait Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, where the leaders discussed further cooperation and fostering ties in tourism and trade. 

On 24 September, the Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) said that former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has been elected as the Zaeem of the MRM and Faris Maumoon as its President, without a vote as no other candidates had made their applications to contest for the positions. The MRM internal elections are scheduled to be held on 2 October. 

On 23 September, Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation signed agreements with NBCC (India) Limited and JMS Projects (India) Limited to develop a total of 4,000 social housing units in Hulhumale Phase II. The projects are funded under two loans, one for USD115.45 million and one for USD110.5 million, provided by the Indian EXIM Bank, under a guarantee issued by the Government of Maldives. 

On 23 September, the Health Protection Agency introduced digital vaccine passports that can be used outside the Maldives as well. 

On 23 September, Chairman of the Wage Board Riyaz Mansoor said that the minimum wage will now be decided in early October, as many proposals were still being made by board members. Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail has said that the government is not exerting any influence on the board not to make a decision and that it could do so immediately if it wanted to. 

On 22 September, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed said that the UK has to deport former Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed to bring him back to the Maldives. 

On 22 September, Member of Parliament for Vilimale, Ahmed Usham raised concerns over articles in a proposed evidence bill in parliament allowing for courts to order media to reveal their sources in exceptional circumstances. Both the Maldives Media Council and the Editor's Guild have raised concerns over the article as well, citing erosion of media freedoms. 

On 22 September, Wage Board member Mauroof Zahir said that a board meeting scheduled for 22 September to decide on minimum wage has been delayed, signaling further delays in the announcement of the minimum wage. A civil servant protest, which commenced on 19 September, has been suspended for two days from 22 September to allow for the government to respond to their demands, which include improvements in salaries and the establishment of a minimum wage. 

On 21 September, President Solih delivered his address at the 76th United Nations General Assembly. The President touched upon the topics of climate change, the plight of the Palestinian people, and condemned all forms of terrorism. 

On 21 September, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported a record increase in COVID-19 numbers with 220 cases reported, the highest since 25 June. 

On 21 September, Adhuham Ahmed, charged for the attack against Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, confessed at trial, in accordance with a plea bargain he entered into with the State. Under the plea, he will be sentenced to 23 years in prison. 

On 20 September, Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed met with Chinese envoy Wang Lixin. 

On 20 September, former Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed held a press conference, where he denied allegations of sexual harassment and assault of staff at the Ministry of Tourism. Waheed alleged that he has been framed in an effort to remove him from his position in a move to ensure that ministers from parties other than the Maldivian Democratic Party were not in the cabinet. 

On 20 September, the Maldivian parliament approved the Maldives joining the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

On 20 September, the Civil Service Commission advised civil service from disrupting service provision in seeking their rights. Civil servants are on a protest, oganised by the Civil Servants Association, seeking increases in salary and the establishment of a minimum wage. 

On 19 September, the High Court issued a monitoring and control order against alleged terror leader Mohamed Ameen and banned him from travelling abroad. The Prosecutor General has appealed the case against Ameen at the Supreme Court, after the High Court annulled the case citing procedural issues. 

On 19 September, police were reported to have used force in dispersing an opposition protest. It was also reported that members of the press were assaulted and injured by the police during the attempt. The opposition has called for authorities to investigate the matter. 

On 19 September, civil servants started a protest to bring issues with their salaries to the government's notice. The protest is a silent one, with all civil servants dressed in black. The protest is organised by the Civil Servants Organisation. 

On 18 September, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) issued a statement raising concerns over the release of alleged terrorist Mohamed Ameen. The party said that this may impact the case over the 6 May attack on Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed as well. 

On 18 September, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih departed for New York, to address the United Nation's General Assembly. His address is scheduled for 21 September.