Mohamed Muizzu

Mohamed Muizzu (born 15 June 1978) is a Maldivian politician and engineer who has been serving as the 8th president of the Maldives and leader of the People's National Congress since 2023. He previously served as housing minister from 2012 to 2018, making him the longest-serving housing minister in Maldivian history. Muizzu was the mayor of Malé from 2021 until his resignation in 2023.

Born in Malé, Muizzu studied civil engineering in the United Kingdom and completed his PhD in 2009 at University of Leeds. He was appointed Minister of Housing in 2012 and served until 2018. He then became the Mayor of Malé. As a member of the People's National Congress, Muizzu was nominated as the presidential candidate following the imprisonment of former president Abdulla Yameen on corruption charges. Since Yameen was ineligible to stand for election, Muizzu was selected as his successor. He was the People's National Congress candidate in the 2023 presidential election, where he defeated the incumbent president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Muizzu has received the position of leader of the Progressive Congress coalition, as well as the Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force in 2023, making Muizzu the first democratic Maldivian President to hold the most positions in the modern Maldivian history. Further, He served as the Senior Vice President of the Maldives Development Alliance from 2013 to 2018, Deputy leader of Progressive Party of Maldives and Secretary General of the Adhaalath Party from 2010 to 2014.

In the 2023 Maldivian presidential election, Mohamed Muizzu defeated seven candidates, receiving 101,635 votes in the first round and 129,159 votes in the second round. His campaign, branded as Dhiveheenge Raajje (The Nation of the Maldivians), emphasised national sovereignty, anti-corruption, and economic reform. The manifesto included promises to end foreign military presence and to enhance infrastructure and housing development. In the 2024 Maldivian parliamentary election, Muizzu's party secured a supermajority by winning 75 seats, surpassing the then–majority Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which had previously held over 60 seats in the People's Majlis.

During his presidency, Muizzu has overseen policies including the expelling of Indian troops from the Maldives and ending secret agreements made by previous governments with other countries that allegedly threatened the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives. He also established closer relations with China. Muizzu has also focused on housing and structural development as well as the Government Policy and Legislative Reforms. In June 2024, he imposed a ban on Israeli passports, following the Gaza war and started national fundraising campaigns within the Maldives to demonstrate support for Palestine.

Early life

Mohamed Muizzu was born on 15 June 1978 in Maafannu, Malé, Maldives. He was born to Hussain Abdul Rahman and Husna Adam Ismail Manik. Muizzu's father (1942–2015) was an attorney, lawyer and an Islamic scholar, from Haa Alif Atoll Vashafaru. Rahman received the National Award of Honour from then—president Waheed for "contribution in the area of religious awareness and religious education" in 2013. Muizzu's parents separated shortly after his birth, and he was raised by his paternal grandmother until he relocated to live with his mother to attend primary school. He later returned to live with his father. His sister, Fathimath Saudha, ran as a candidate for the People's National Congress in the 2024 Maldivian parliamentary election for the Nilandhoo constituency and won the election held on 21 April 2024.

At the age of 20, he began working for the government in 1998, as a Construction and Public Works Planning Technician Trainee at the Ministry of Construction and Public Works, under the tutelage of Umar Zahir. In the 1990s, Hussain Abdul Rahman, Muizzu's father, established a daily rental hotel business. Rahman died in 2015, and the business was handed over to Muizzu, and the property became his presidential residence while the official residence, Muliaage, was undergoing renovation.

Education

Muizzu went to Iskandhar School and was educated there from Lower kindergarten to Grade four. He then transferred to Majeediyya School, the oldest school in the Maldives, where he studied from grade 5 to 10. In January 1995, he completed his GCE O'Level exams, achieving first place at the national level. He also attended the Science Education Centre for his Grade 11 and Grade 12 studies, where he completed his GCE A'Level exams in July 1997, securing fourth place nationally.

In 2005 he obtained an ORS scholarship from the British government to study PhD in civil engineering at the University of Leeds. His PhD thesis concerned "Thermal and time-dependent effects on monolithic reinforced concrete roof slab-wall joints" and was awarded in 2009. He has also obtained the Project Management Professional (PMP) and PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification 2019.

Political career

Minister of Housing

In 2012, Muizzu assumed the role of Minister of Housing and Environment during the administration of President Waheed as a member of the Adhaalath Party. He continued in this post after the 2013 Presidential Election under President Abdulla Yameen's administration. By this time Muizzu was a member of the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), part of a coalition government. The Ministry of Housing and Environment was later restructured and renamed as the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure during his five-year term in office.

From February 2012 to November 2018, Muizzu held the position of Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, a tenure marked by significant achievements in the execution of housing projects in the Maldives. During this period, the country witnessed the rise of its tallest buildings and the realization of major infrastructure undertakings, including extensive roadworks and land reclamation efforts. Among the prominent projects completed under his guidance were the Sinamalé Bridge, Dharumavantha Hospital, Hiya Flats, Hahdhunmathi main road, Malé Ring Road, Malé Industrial Village, and the reclamation of Hulhumalé Phase II.

Moreover, the development of numerous parks and public areas under his direction brought about a substantial transformation of Malé City. Muizzu also facilitated the successful completion of various land reclamation, harbour enhancement, and water and sewerage projects throughout the atolls, contributing to the comprehensive development of the Maldives' infrastructure.

Political parties

In 2010, Muizzu was appointed as Secretary General of the Adhaalath Party. He remained in the position, while serving as Minister of Housing. Following the 2018 presidential election, Muizzu left the Maldives Development Alliance and joined the party of the outgoing president, the Progressive Party of Maldives. In 2019, Muizzu was appointed the vice-president and the head of the Elections Department of the then-opposition (PPM).

On 5 October 2023, Muizzu was appointed as the president of People's National Congress, he assumed the role upon his victory in the presidential election. In December 2023, Muizzu was appointed as the president of PNC's sister party, Progressive Party of Maldives following former party leader, Abdulla Yameen left the party on 23 November to create his own political party.

Mayor of Malé

In 2021, Mohamed Muizzu was elected as Mayor of Malé, securing 12,470 votes against the candidate from the then–ruling Maldivian Democratic Party. He was sworn into office on 17 May 2021 in a virtual ceremony conducted by High Court Chief Judge Haathif Hilmy. This election marked a significant shift, as Muizzu became the first Mayor of Malé to be directly elected by its citizens and the first to be elected for a five-year term. His victory ended 11 years of control by the Maldivian Democratic Party over the Malé City Council and saw him representing the Progressive Party of Maldives.

During his tenure, Muizzu undertook house calls to gain a deeper understanding of the living conditions in Malé and advocated for decentralisation and the empowerment of local bodies. He served as Mayor from 17 May 2021 until his resignation on 17 November 2023. Notably, Muizzu was the first Mayor to resign from the position. Following his election as President, Deputy Mayor Ahmed Nareesh assumed the role of Acting Mayor. Muizzu’s resignation came after a term of 2 years and 184 days, aligning with his inauguration as president on 17 November 2023.

Arrest

In 2023, Muizzu was part of several protests by PPM and PNC, which called for the release of former president Abdulla Yameen. He was subsequently arrested and took into police custody, being released a day later.

Perjury charges

In June 2020, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) charged Muizzu with perjury after alleged falsified statement in the court case against Noomadi Resorts and Residences Maldives. He was summoned to the Maldives Police Service about the case.

In March 2021, he was summoned to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which he claimed was political bias, while the ACC denied this.

In August 2021, preliminary hearing for charges against Muizzu was held at the Criminal Court. In May 2023, the court dismissed the charges against him, citing insufficient evidence.

2023 election

Mohamed Muizzu's presidential candidacy was announced in August 2023, Following the conviction of former president and opposition leader Abdulla Yameen for embezzlement. Muizzu was nominated as the presidential candidate for the People's National Congress, part of the opposition coalition, with Member of Parliament, Hussain Mohamed Latheef as his running mate. In the first round of the 2023 Maldivian presidential election, he received 46.06% of the vote (101,635 votes), a plurality, and advanced to the second round on 30 September 2023. He was elected president in the second round, winning 54.04% against the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's 46.04%. Muizzu was sworn in as the new president on 17 November 2023.
Muizzu advocated for Yameen to be held under house arrest, rather than prison, the next day he was elected as president. During the 2023 presidential election campaign, Mohamed Muizzu undertook an extensive tour of 153 inhabited islands and all major cities in the Maldives within 53 days. His campaign, themed "Dhivehinge Raajje" and endorsed by the PPM-PNC coalition, included delivering speeches at 205 separate events.

Campaign

As the 2023 campaign season heated up, Muizzu's campaign focused on several key issues, including national sovereignty, infrastructure development, and housing. He highlighted his commitment to reversing agreements perceived as threatening Maldives' independence and sovereignty, particularly those involving foreign military presence. Additionally, Muizzu emphasized his plans for substantial housing projects and infrastructure improvements within Malé city and other Atolls.

''Dr. Mohamed Muizzu''

In February 2024, Muizzu published ''Dr. Mohamed Muizzu'' (), a book containing his speeches during his presidential campaign. It was officially published into government institutions, schools and libraries and The President's Office.

Presidency

Mohamed Muizzu assumed office as the 8th President of the Republic of Maldives on 17 November 2023. He is the fourth president to be democratically elected and the sixth from Malé. His oath of office, alongside his running mate Hussain Mohamed Latheef, were administered by Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Chief Justice of the Maldives at the Republic Square.

On 3 May 2025, Muizzu held a press conference that lasted nearly 15 hours, which his office said was a new record for a president.

First 100 days

In the initial days of his presidency, Muizzu initiated the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. During his campaign, he promised to launch several housing projects within his first 100 days, establish a dedicated trust fund for housing, and implement a policy to cap housing loan interest rates at five percent.
Muizzu began efforts to terminate secret agreements made by previous administrations with foreign nations that he claimed threatened Maldivian independence and sovereignty. He also appealed against the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea's ruling that affected part of the South Sea within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.

China and India relations

On 7 January 2024, Muizzu visited China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. His campaign had been focused on reducing Indian influence in Maldivian affairs, and he is considered pro-China. Upon his return, Muizzu stated that while the Maldives is a small country, it should not be subject to bullying. He outlined that China-Maldives relations are based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal matters. As of February 2024, Muizzu had called for the removal of all Indian troops from the Maldives. By 10 May 2024, all Indian armed forces had departed.

Israel and Palestine

President Mohamed Muizzu's foreign policy strongly supports Palestine and consistently advocates for their rights on international platforms. On 23 December 2023, Muizzu commended the United Nations Security Council resolution demanding increased humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. He emphasized that aid delivery amidst ongoing airstrikes is impractical and urged the international community to build upon this resolution to end hostilities and ensure the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination. Following the Security Council's resolution calling for safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza, Muizzu highlighted the persistent brutal attacks faced by Palestinians and called for stronger, more concrete international actions.

On 26 January 2024, Muizzu welcomed the International Court of Justice's order for preliminary measures calling on Israel to prevent and punish direct incitement of genocide in Gaza. He stated that Israel must cease its military actions in Gaza and implement an immediate ceasefire, stressing that peace cannot be achieved through violence and displacement. In line with his administration's support for Palestine, on 2 June 2024, Muizzu, following a Cabinet recommendation, imposed a ban on Israeli passports. This decision included amending laws to prevent entry with Israeli passports and establishing a Cabinet subcommittee to oversee these efforts. Additionally, Muizzu appointed a special envoy to assess Palestinian needs, launched a fundraising campaign with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and organized a nationwide rally under the slogan "Falastheenaa Eku Dhivehin" to demonstrate Maldivians solidarity with Palestine.

Turkey

Economic policy

In January 2024, Muizzu announced plans to establish a development bank and review economic policies. Following Cabinet discussions, he decided to create the Maldives International Financial Services Authority and aims to develop a creative economy. Additionally, he launched a multimillion-dollar project to upgrade Velana International Airport to increase its capacity to 25 million passengers. This project necessitated the relocation of seaplane terminals to Funadhoo. Muizzu also announced the construction of two new airports to expand transportation and bolster the economy.

Criticism

Opposition supporters have given Muizzu the title "Kazzab", an Arabic word meaning "liar". He was given this title after people started to point out apparent lies being made by him and his government. In 2024, a critic of Muizzu was summoned to the Maldives Police Service after he expressed dissatisfaction over the raising of cigarette prices and calling Muizzu "Kazzab". During Muizzu's presidential visits to the islands in the Maldives, people started to call him and his ministers Kazzab on the street and demanded his resignation. Former vice president Mohamed Jameel Ahmed used the word "Kazzab" in a tweet against Muizzu.

A report was leaked from the Maldives Monetary Authority which allegedly connected Muizzu to corruption citing irregularities in money transfers. He had also been alleged to be laundering money through a media firm which is connected to him. He had also allegedly threatened the CEO of ''Adhadhu'' news over a phone call over remarks made by the opposition about his son, Umair Mohamed Muizzu.

Personal life

In an interview during Muizzu's election, Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha highlighted that they met on Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in April 2003.

Muizzu married Sajidha Mohamed on 18 May 2003; they have three children, Yasmine, Umair and Zaid.

Awards and recognitions

Muizzu earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in civil engineering and was given the "Dr" title in 2009.

In 2013, then-minister Muizzu was presented with the Maldives National Award by president Mohamed Waheed Hassan for "Achieving the highest academic qualification in the Maldives."

On 24 December 2023, the Maldives National Association of Construction Industry (MNACI) conferred the "Bodu Rasgefaanu" () title on Mohamed Muizzu, in appreciation of his contributions to the Maldives construction industry.

On 29 April 2025, International Islamic University Malaysia conferred Muizzu with an Honorary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development.

On 19 May 2025, Muizzu won the WHO Director-General’s Special Award in recognition with his administration's actions to reduce tobacco consumption.

* 22 August 2013: National Award.
* 24 December 2023: Bodu Rasgefaanu title.
* 29 April 2025: Honorary degree.
* 19 May 2025: WHO Director-General’s Special Award.

References

Notes

Further reading

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External links

Official

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Hafthaa 14

Citizens Voice

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1978 births
Living people
Muizzu family
Candidates for President of the Maldives
Mayors of places in the Maldives
Government ministers of the Maldives
Mayors of Malé
Leaders of the Progressive Party of Maldives
Politicians from Malé
Leaders of the People's National Congress (Maldives)
21st-century presidents of the Maldives
Candidates in the 2023 Maldivian presidential election
Alumni of the University of Leeds
Maldivian Muslims
Civil engineers
Majeediyya School alumni
Maldivian engineers
Adhaalath Party politicians
Housing Ministers of the Maldives
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Progressive Party of Maldives politicians
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Mohamed Muizzu presidency
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People charged with perjury
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