Referendum on Ras Male' project is mandatory, not optional: Rasheed
14 ނޮވެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 06:52Former Member of Parliament Ibrahim Rasheed has warned that the Ras Male' project poses a significant threat to the Maldives' national sovereignty and risks creating a lawless jurisdiction. He emphasized that the potential settlement of foreign nationals in the area could undermine the rights of Maldivian citizens, asserting that a decision of such magnitude must be subject to a public referendum as mandated by the Constitution.
Ibrahim Rasheed (Bonda), Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency. | Raajje MV
Former Member of Parliament for the Central Maafannu constituency, Ibrahim Rasheed (Bonda), has stated that holding a referendum regarding the Ras Male' project is not optional, but a mandatory requirement.
Speaking during the special coverage titled "Dhiveheenge Bin Dhiveheennah" Rasheed stated that the Ras Male' project undermines the sovereign independence of the Maldives. He further asserted that the initiative is establishing a separate jurisdiction within the country where national laws do not apply.
In this regard, Rasheed stated that there should be no areas inaccessible to or beyond the oversight of Maldives Customs, the Police, or the Military. He further emphasized that the existence of such unmonitored spaces constitutes a direct erosion of judicial and legal authority.
Rasheed noted that the President takes an oath of office based on the provisions of the Constitution, which explicitly stipulates that a referendum must be held under such circumstances. He further asserted that since the People's Majlis does not directly represent the public and the judiciary, along with all other institutions, remains subjugated, the only remaining course of action is to conduct a public referendum.
Furthermore, Rasheed stated that if foreign nationals are settled in Ras Male', they would gain certain international legal protections and powers upon becoming residents. He noted that these would include the right to earn an income, the right to practice their religion, and the right to enter and participate in local businesses.
Furthermore, Rasheed stated that if Ras Male' is leased to foreign entities, the lease period would remain active even as the next three generations reach old age.
How else should we describe it? We should tell it much like the story of Muhammad Thakurufaanu: once upon a time, they arrived; they came by boat and landed on the shores. They were outsiders, often referred to as Zionists. And among them lived a man named Ali Netanyahu, who claimed to belong to that land.Ibrahim Rasheed (Bonda)
Consequently, Rasheed stated that holding a referendum regarding the Ras Male' project is not merely an option, but a mandatory requirement.
