Former President Mohamed Nasheed, who serves as chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has publicly expressed his support for the government’s decision to lease land in Ras Malé to UAE-based developer Eagle Hills for 99 years.
Nasheed announced his position during an MDP National Council meeting on Sunday evening, where members debated a resolution seeking to prevent the government from signing the development agreement before holding a public referendum.
The resolution was submitted by Mahfooz Saeed, the party’s Kolamaafushi Constituency President, who called for the public to be given an opportunity to vote on the proposed development. The motion also proposed organising demonstrations to oppose the project if the government proceeded without addressing the demands.
The discussion highlighted differing positions among senior figures within the opposition party, with Nasheed speaking in favour of the government’s proposed arrangement while several other prominent MDP leaders supported the resolution.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail both expressed support for the motion calling for a referendum. Nasheed, however, was the only National Council member to speak against it during the debate.
Addressing the meeting, Nasheed explained that he had not originally planned to participate in the discussion but decided to respond after his name was raised by other speakers.
He argued that the Maldives has a long history of migration and settlement, suggesting that developments involving people and investments from abroad could create opportunities for the country over an extended period.
To illustrate his position, Nasheed referred to the arrival of settlers in the Maldives several centuries ago, recounting a historical example involving three vessels that travelled to different islands, including Hoarafushi and Dhuvaafaru.
He used the example to emphasise the potential long-term impact of decisions made today, indicating that the benefits of major development initiatives could become more apparent over future generations.
Nasheed concluded his remarks by reaffirming his support for the Ras Malé project and the government’s decision concerning the proposed 99-year land lease.
His position places him at odds with other senior MDP figures who have called for greater public consultation before the agreement is finalised, reflecting contrasting views within the party over the proposed development.
