MDP National Council passes resolution on Rasmale’ project referendum

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s National Council, on Sunday night, has passed a resolution calling on the government to hold a public referendum on the allocation of 500 hectares of land in Rasmalé to UAE-based company Eagle Hills.

The resolution was formally submitted at an emergency meeting of the MDP National Council on Sunday night. It was proposed by MDP Kolamaafushi Constituency President Mahfooz Saeed and seconded by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir.

Of the 58 members present at the meeting, 57 voted in favour of the resolution, with MDP’s Chairperson, former president Mohamed Nasheed, casting the sole vote against it.

During the debate, several National Council members voiced their opposition to the project and raised serious concerns about the allocation of 500 hectares of land in Rasmalé to Eagle Hills. They stressed that a project of such scale should not proceed without first seeking the public’s views.

The resolution calls for the public disclosure of the commercial terms agreement, which reportedly grants Eagle Hills 500 hectares of land for 99 years without acquisition costs or rent. It also demands a public referendum on the project, stipulating that no transactions granting Eagle Hills or any third party rights over the land should take place until the referendum results are finalised.

Furthermore, the resolution calls on the MDP to lead efforts to raise public awareness of the potential risks of the transaction and hold the government accountable through the Parliament. It also calls for direct action in coordination with other political parties and organizations if the government fails to respond to these demands.

During the meeting, Nasheed declared his full support for the Rasmalé project.