Writer
Aishath Rasheed
Political correspondent. Covered the last four presidential elections and the long arc of constitutional reform from Majeedhee Magu.
Friday, 31 July 2026
ACC refers money-laundering charges against MHR Trading
The family company of former MMPRC chief Abdulla Ziyath took US$325,000 in SOF cheques a decade ago, investigators say — the scandal's newest prosecution step.
Complaint filed against the judge who acquitted Muizzu in 2023
It follows a former police commissioner's claim at an opposition rally that MVR 800,000 was paid to the judge — an allegation that remains unproven.
Thursday, 30 July 2026
Applications open for seats on the Human Rights Commission
A presidential nomination and Majlis confirmation follow — appointments that will shape the watchdog's next term.
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Pension Office confirms the MVR 2.4 billion bond deal that cost it nine officials
The fund converted treasury bills into a long-term bond the central bank then bought — a structure critics call money printing by another name. Its chairman, CEO and board members resigned rather than sign.
Monday, 27 July 2026
Muizzu accuses the Information Commissioner of taking opposition orders
The broadside came after the commissioner's office fined the President's Office MVR 2,000 for repeatedly failing to answer right-to-information requests.
Sunday, 26 July 2026
Muizzu names a date for 'comprehensive independence' — and moves the port to Thilafushi
In his 61st Independence Day address, the president set a 2028 target, announced two advisory councils, and said the Malé Commercial Port will relocate by November 2027 under full government ownership.
Four receive the Order of Izzuddin as the republic turns 61
A dawn flag-raising at Republic Square, honours for 66 more in state service, and an evening parade with a Saudi prince as guest of honour.
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Cabinet appointments to require minimum qualifications, Muizzu says
Political hiring in the executive will be scaled back in favour of published qualification criteria and open recruitment.
Muizzu pledges an AI regulation bill in the next Majlis session
The president names artificial intelligence as one of four priority areas for legislation in the second half of the year.
Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Muizzu cuts his cabinet from twenty ministries to fifteen
Ten ministers resign — almost half the cabinet — as the president restructures the executive ten days after a bruising referendum loss.
Sunday, 5 April 2026
Women's Development Committee vote mirrors the national swing
In 226 WDC seats with reported results, PNC took 100 to MDP's 83 — a narrower margin than the party had grown used to.
MDP sweeps the mayoralties; PNC holds council seats by a thread
The opposition takes all five city mayoralties — including Male' — while the ruling party clings to a one-seat edge in the broader council count.
Saturday, 4 April 2026
Voters reject the referendum on joint elections, 68.7 per cent to 31.3
The constitutional amendment that would have merged presidential and parliamentary polls has been turned back at the ballot — and the government has read it as a verdict.
Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Constitutional amendment on simultaneous elections passes Parliament
The Eighth Amendment clears the Majlis on 10 February with the supermajority required to proceed to a referendum.
Thursday, 15 January 2026
Parliament approves the death penalty for major drug trafficking cases
A unanimous vote permits capital punishment where the Supreme Court bench reaches a unanimous decision.
Monday, 5 January 2026
Extraordinary session passes constitutional amendment bill; MDP boycotts
A bill tabled on the 4th, passed on the 5th — and walked out of by the principal opposition party.