Internal Rift Deepens in MDP as National Council Passes Resolution Against Ras Malé Project Despite President Nasheed’s “Full Support”

A significant internal divide has erupted within the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) after its National Council voted overwhelmingly to launch direct action against the "Maldives Waterfront and Marina" project in Ras Malé.

The resolution passed late Sunday despite a vocal defense of the project by the party’s Chairperson and former President, Mohamed Nasheed.

The emergency meeting was convened to address concerns regarding the government’s agreement with UAE-based developer Eagle Hills. During a heated debate, Nasheed broke ranks with the majority of the council, declaring his unequivocal support for the venture.

"I fully support this project—completely," Nasheed told the council, adding that he felt compelled to speak after being name-dropped by other members.

Addressing concerns regarding the 99-year lease and the presence of foreigners, Nasheed invoked Maldivian history, citing the 300-year-old migration of settlers to Hoarafushi to argue that the Maldives has always been a nation of migrants. He urged members to stop making "unsubstantiated" speculative claims about the future.

However, Nasheed’s stance failed to sway the council. The resolution, submitted by Kolamaafushi Constituency President Mahfooz Saeed and seconded by Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, was approved by 57 of the 58 members present. The resolution demands that the government hold a public referendum on the project and release the full commercial terms of the agreement with Eagle Hills.

The debate highlighted deep-seated anxieties among the party leadership regarding sovereignty and transparency. Former Economic Minister and former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail expressed alarm over rumours that land reclaimed with hundreds of millions of dollars in state funds is being "handed over for free" to foreign entities.

"The biggest issue is the possibility of that 99-year duration being extended in perpetuity," Fayyaz said, arguing that such a monumental decision must only be made through a public referendum.

Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, a potential 2028 presidential contender, went further, labeling the Ras Malé development a "massive deception." Shahid alleged that while the state spent roughly USD 800 million to reclaim the area for citizen housing, the land is now being diverted to foreign investors under opaque conditions.

"This fosters discord among us and breeds hostility toward friendly nations," Shahid warned, demanding immediate transparency.

In response to the growing opposition within his own party, Nasheed had earlier Sunday taken to social media platform X to express his dismay. He accused the MDP of abandoning its founding principles in favour of "xenophobic rhetoric" and "hardline nationalist views" intended to stir public passion. He cautioned that opposing a major investor like Eagle Hills is counterproductive and urged the party to stand by its previous official statements regarding the project.

Despite his best efforts, the resolution passed by the party’s national council outlines nine specific demands, including:

• A public referendum before any rights over Ras Malé land are granted to Eagle Hills.

• Full disclosure of the commercial terms agreement.

• The use of MDP Members of Parliament to take legislative action.

• The initiation of "direct action" and public awareness campaigns if the government fails to comply.

Despite Nasheed’s warning that the party is drifting toward a political identity he no longer recognises, the National Council’s vote signals a militant new direction for the MDP. The party now moves toward a confrontational stance against the government’s flagship development project, setting the stage for potential street protests and a protracted legislative battle.