Public Outrage Over Government’s Extravagant Eid Lighting Amid Economic Concerns

The Maldivian government spent MVR 42.19 million on Eid lighting for the 'Eid Ali' project, covering 21 areas including Malé, four cities, and atoll capitals. The contract was awarded exclusively to the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) without competitive bidding. State Minister Ahmed Rasheed disclosed details, noting Fenaka Corporation supported installations. The project sparked public outrage on social media, with accusations of extravagance and corruption, especially from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). MDP spokesperson Ahmed Easa criticized the quality of equipment and alleged financial mismanagement for political gains ahead of parliamentary elections. Despite controversy, President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Ibrahim attended the lighting ceremony. The Ministry stated that local councils would manage the equipment after Eid.

The Maldivian government spent MVR 42.19 million on Eid lighting for the 'Eid Ali' project, covering 21 areas including Malé, four cities, and atoll capitals. The contract was awarded exclusively to the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) without competitive bidding. State Minister Ahmed Rasheed disclosed details, noting Fenaka Corporation supported installations. The project sparked public outrage on social media, with accusations of extravagance and corruption, especially from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). MDP spokesperson Ahmed Easa criticized the quality of equipment and alleged financial mismanagement for political gains ahead of parliamentary elections. Despite controversy, President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Ibrahim attended the lighting ceremony. The Ministry stated that local councils would manage the equipment after Eid.

The Maldivian government spent MVR 42.19 million on Eid lighting for the 'Eid Ali' project, covering 21 areas including Malé, four cities, and atoll capitals. The contract was awarded exclusively to the State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) without competitive bidding. State Minister Ahmed Rasheed disclosed details, noting Fenaka Corporation supported installations. The project sparked public outrage on social media, with accusations of extravagance and corruption, especially from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). MDP spokesperson Ahmed Easa criticized the quality of equipment and alleged financial mismanagement for political gains ahead of parliamentary elections. Despite controversy, President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Ibrahim attended the lighting ceremony. The Ministry stated that local councils would manage the equipment after Eid.

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