Maldives this week: 31 January - 6 February 2022
Last week's key headlines.
On 6 February, Abbas Faiz, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's special envoy on the investigation into the 6 May 2021 terror attack targeting Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, raised concerns over delays in holding hearings in the trial against the accused in the case. He noted that only one accused has been convicted so far, and that other are still in the pre-trial phase.
On 6 February, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported 1,757 new COVID-19 cases, from 5,792 samples tested over the past 24 hours. There are currently 17,169 active cases in the country.
On 6 February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that effective 1 February, Indian nationals will be granted visa free entry to the Maldives for business purposes for a period not exceeding 9- days. The visas may be renewed for 18- days, in addition to the 90 days, within the calendar year.
On 6 February, President of the Election Commission Fuad Thaufeeq said that it has to date received 10 complaints on the Komandoo bi-election, but that there were no serious issues among the complaints.
On 5 February, the Election Commission announced that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Mohamed Rashid has won the bi-election for the Komandoo constituency parliament seat. He received 1,441 votes.
On 5 February, the Ministry of Tourism announced the extension of the deadline for the bids for 18 islands to be leased for tourism development. The new deadline is 22 and 23 March 2022.
3 February, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih delivered his presidential statement at the first sitting of parliament for the year. The President made various announcements in his statement, including the increase in the salaries for education sector staff starting May 2022, 720 opportunities under the student loan scheme, the establishment of three centers for victims of domestic abuse, the commencement of an additional 2,000 housing units in Hulhumalé, the new Anti-Corruption Commission to be tasked with the MMPRC investigation, and a number of other measures to be implemented during the year.
On 2 February, opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) announced that its lawmakers will be boycotting the first sitting of parliament on 3 February where President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will be delivering his presidential address.
On 2 February, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih removed Ashad Ali, Minister of State for Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, after the Criminal Court sentenced him to 15 days in prison for contempt of court.
On 2 February, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported 2,142 new Covid-19 cases. There are currently 17,721 active cases in the country.
On 1 February, the Health Protection Agency reported 2,180 new COVID-19 cases from 6,403 samples tested over the previous 24 hours. There are currently 17,743 active cases in the country. The HPA also announced that those who are fully vaccinated will not have to quarantine on close contact with a positive person.
On 1 February, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh Rear Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan paid his farewell call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
On 1 February, the new High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Maldives Adam Maznavee Jaufer Sadiq presented his letter of credence to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
On 31 January, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reported 2,754 new COVID-19 cases, from 7,852 samples tested over the previous 24 hours. There are currently 17,770 active cases in the country.
On 31 January, opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) issued a statement alleging that the government was influencing the judiciary to move forward the sentencing hearing in the hearing on charges against former President Abdulla Yameen.
