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Politics
News in Brief
- Government to establish state-owned Hajj group
- Three arrested following seizure of over 100 bottles of alcohol
- Ferry services temporarily suspended stranding 200
Civil society groups slam government for “failure to ensure conducive environment for elections”
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) found that with less than six months before the presidential elections “there are clear signs indicating that the coalition government in power since February 2012 has so far failed to set conditions for free and fair elections in which ‘all parties and leaders are able freely to conduct election campaigns’.”
Parliament accepts bill seeking to abolish Hulhumale’ Magistrate Court
Independent MP Nasheed’s amendments would see the magistrate court abolished and its cases transferred to the superior courts.
‘National Movement’ to protest on behalf of murder victims
The self-titled ‘Maldives National Movement’, which is comprised of several NGOs and the religious conservative Adhalaath Party, has today announced its intention to hold a special protest on May 3 to raise concerns over the rights of murder victims.
Addu International Airport Company outsources dredging and reclamation of Gan International Airport
Gulf Cobla was awarded the $11.7 million (MVR 180 million) project, which will include lengthening the airport’s runway, land reclamation to build seaplane terminals, as well as constructing revetments – barricades to prevent aircraft from overshooting the runway – on the reclaimed land.
State seeks High Court ruling on President’s discretion to grant clemency in death sentences
The Maldivian state has sought a High Court ruling on the President’s discretion to commute death sentences to life imprisonment.
High Court orders DRP Leader Thasmeen to settle MVR 1.9 million debt to Deputy Speaker Nazim
MP Nazim sued the DRP presidential candidate in March 2011 to recover MVR 1.92 million (US$124,513) unpaid from a loan worth MVR 2.55 million (US$200,000).
Government bill on raising import duties narrowly accepted by parliament for consideration
The amendments to the Import-Export Act submitted by MP Riyaz Rasheed on behalf of the government proposes raising tariffs on a range of items such as liquor, pork, tobacco, perfume, cement, gas and energy drinks.
Defence Minister forbids soldiers to publicly participate in politics
The Defence Minister declared that soldiers must forgo rights granted to civilians, refrain from politics, and limit their political participation to voting only, as stipulated in the Constitution and military law.
MTCC and government finalising agreement for construction of 22 harbours
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) is in talks with the government to finalise an agreement to construct 22 harbours under a so-called contractor finance policy.