MDP urges a public vote before granting any rights over Rasmale' land to Eagle Hills

The MDP has submitted a resolution to Parliament calling on the government to hold a referendum on the allocation of 500 hectares of land in Rasmale' to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Eagle Hills Company. 

The MDP Parliamentary Group announced the move at a press conference held after Wednesday’s sitting of Parliament.

The resolution notes that the Constitution empowers Parliament to consult citizens on major matters affecting the public. It states that when an important national decision falls within Parliament’s legislative jurisdiction, a public vote may be taken under the Consultation General Vote Act. The resolution was submitted to ensure that the public has a direct voice on a major national issue.

The MDP National Assembly had earlier passed a separate internal resolution on the first night of this month calling for a referendum on the Rasmale' project. That resolution was moved by former Legal Director and Kolamaafushi Constituency President Mahfooz Saeed and supported by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir.

When Parliament voted on the MDP Parliamentary Group’s resolution on Wednesday, 57 of the 58 members present voted against it. The resolution called for the publication of the agreement to grant 500 hectares of land in Rasmale' for 99 years without acquisition cost or rent, and for a public vote on the project. It also proposed that no transaction be entered into that would create rights for Eagle Hills or any third party over the land before the referendum result.

The resolution further calls on MDP’s prerogative to lead public awareness campaigns on the risks of the transaction and to hold the government accountable through Parliament. It also urges other political parties and associations to take direct action if the government does not respond to these demands.

The internal party resolution was passed with the support of former President and MDP Chairman Mohamed Nasheed, who has since publicly expressed his support for the Rasmale' project.