Members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party have urged Parliament and the government to hold a public referendum before 500 hectares of Rasmale’ land is granted to UAE-based Eagle Hills.
During debate on a resolution seeking disclosure of the commercial terms agreement, MDP MPs argued that public opinion must be sought before any portion of Maldivian territory is made available for residential use on 99-year leases. Hulhumale’ South MP Ahmed Shamheed said proceeding without a referendum would go against the will of the Maldivian people.
MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem claimed that if a referendum were held on granting half of Rasmale’ to the developer, support would be minimal. He noted that the government had previously found it straightforward to amend laws and the Constitution to enable a referendum on merging presidential and parliamentary elections.
The government has said the land will be leased for 99 years, with new leases issued on each resale, and that Maldivian law will apply fully. Critics, however, continue to demand greater transparency and public consent before the permanent agreement is signed, currently targeted for mid-November.
The commercial terms were signed on 21 September. Opposition figures have repeatedly described the arrangement as contrary to earlier campaign pledges that no reclaimed land would be given to foreign parties.
