The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has submitted a resolution to the People’s Majlis seeking a public referendum on whether to proceed with granting land in Rasmalé to the UAE-based company Eagle Hills for the Maldives Waterfront and Marina project.
The resolution proposes a ballot question asking voters whether they favour granting 500 hectares of land from Fushidhiggaru lagoon or Rasmalé to Eagle Hills for 99 years under an arrangement that would allow foreign nationals to establish residency. It requests that the vote be held within 60 days of the resolution’s passage, which would require approval by a majority of the Majlis’s total membership — at least 47 votes.
The party argues that Rasmalé was reclaimed using substantial public funds and that long-term foreign residency rights on the land carry significant implications for national interests. The resolution includes arguments both for and against the project.
This follows a resolution passed by the MDP National Council calling for a referendum and for the party to take direct action, including coordinated protests with other groups, if the government does not hold a public vote. The National Council measure passed with 57 votes in favour out of 58 members present.
Former Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail has urged members to mobilise if a referendum is not announced. Former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed support for the project, while other figures within and outside the party have raised concerns about transparency and long-term effects.
The government has not yet responded formally to the Majlis resolution. The project, valued in the tens of billions of dollars according to earlier announcements, has been the subject of sustained public and political debate.
