Breakaway Democrats, Vigilante Justice, Manadhoo Murder
News from May 20 to 26: Nasheed loyalists launch membership drive for new party; alleged thief doused in paint; and two suspects in custody over murder of 62-year-old woman in April.
MDP Exodus, Territory Cause, Pet Ostrich
News from May 13 to 19: Nasheed loyalists resign en masse from MDP to form new party; opposition alliance gears up for mass gathering over ‘sale of Maldivian sea’; and photo of ostrich outside Malé home goes viral.
Apartment Scam, Opposition Alliance, Hulhumalé Masterplan
News from May 6 to 12: travel ban imposed on businessman accused of fraudulent apartment sales; new alliance submits no-confidence motion against Attorney General Riffath; and government plans to reclaim more land from Hulhumalé lagoon for housing projects.
Territorial Integrity, Pay Hikes, Press Freedom
News from April 29 to May 5: political fallout continues from alleged forfeiture of Maldivian territorial waters; president announces pay hike for health sector workers; and Maldives slides on press freedom index to 100th out of 180 countries.
Chagos Border, Plastic Fee, Record Temperatures
News from April 22 to 28: UN tribunal sets new Maldives southern maritime border amid political firestorm; parliament breaks for recess without exempting bundles from new plastic bag fee; and energy consumption reaches record level as temperature soars.
Plastic Fee, MDP Victory, PPM Strife
News from April 15 to 21: government under fire over massive spike in price of plastic bag bundles; first Kaafu atoll seat for MDP hailed as hopeful sign for president’s re-election; and PPM Malé city councillor leaves party amid allegations of campaigning for alternative candidate to jailed ex-president Yameen.
Siyam’s Threats, Dropped Charges, Murder Mystery
News from April 8 to 14: tourism mogul threatens journalist over critical coverage of US$24 million owed to Hilton; corruption case against Sports Minister Mahloof withdrawn; and no motive or suspect identified in fatal stabbing of 62-year-old woman.
Council Feuds, Coalition Talks, Measles Outbreak
News from April 1 to 7: opposition-majority Malé City Council at loggerheads with government over stormwater drainage and public land ownership; other parties and independent candidates reject overtures to join JP-led coalition; and Addu City child tests positive for measles.
Factional Sackings, Qasim Candidacy, Striking Workers
News from March 25 to 31: President Solih dismisses political appointees from rival MDP faction; JP members in top government posts leave party after Qasim becomes presidential candidate; and Indian construction workers down tools in Hulhumalé.
Security Breach, Shifting Alliances, Gender Violence
News from March 18 to 24: president’s motorcade forced to turn back by opposition protesters; parties and factions negotiate power-sharing deals; and viral video of man dragging and punching young woman sparks outrage.
Qasim Run, ‘Boring’ Maldives, Drowning Tourists
News from March 11 to 17: Jumhooree Party decides to contest election in blow to President Solih; minister apologises for unfavourably comparing Maldives and Sri Lanka as tourist destinations; and four drowning accidents in two weeks spark safety concerns.
