MDP Demands Full Public Disclosure of All Deal Terms and Land Tenure Arrangements for Ras Malé Deal

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has raised strong concerns regarding the government’s agreement to hand over a significant portion of the reclaimed Fushidhiggaru Falhu (Ras Malé) lagoon to foreign developer Eagle Hills, demanding full public disclosure of all deal terms and land tenure arrangements.

In a press statement, the opposition party emphasised that while it warmly welcomes foreign investment as a vital driver of Maldivian economic growth and private sector expansion, the government’s lack of transparency surrounding the deal with the Abu Dhabi-based firm presents a “dangerous warning sign.”

The MDP pointed out that information officially released by the developer contradicts statements made by the government to date. The party argued that if the multi-billion-dollar project were genuinely as beneficial to the nation as claimed, there should be no reason for the administration to hesitate in revealing its full terms to the public.

Consequently, the MDP called on the government to immediately disclose all terms and conditions set out in the signed documentation. Specifically, the party demanded clarity on:

• The duration and validity period of the agreement.
• The precise obligations and financial commitments assumed by the Maldivian state.
• Financial concessions, tax exemptions, and incentives granted to the foreign developer.
• The duties, liabilities, and responsibilities expected of the foreign entity.

Furthermore, the opposition urged the government to clarify whether any provision within the agreement allows for foreign land ownership. The party called for explicit confirmation on whether any aspect of the transaction could create a permanent right of foreign land ownership in the Maldives in the future.

The MDP reiterated that no government holds the constitutional authority or mandate to formulate policies or enter into agreements that grant foreign land ownership, stressing that any decision of such national magnitude rests solely with the Maldivian electorate.

The opposition’s call for transparency comes amid a broader national debate on external influence, following recent firm statements by the government on state sovereignty. In a formal statement, the President’s Office said that no part of the country’s territory or maritime domain will ever be placed under foreign military, security, or operational surveillance control.

The President’s Office underscored that the constitutional mandate to protect and monitor the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and vital international shipping lanes rests solely with the Maldivian state. Reaffirming a strict policy on national defense, the statement explicitly urged all political parties and external actors to refrain from directly or indirectly inviting foreign influence into national or regional maritime security affairs.