Fayyaz Ismail, a Maldivian politician and lawyer who served as Minister of Economic Development from 2018 to 2023 and as chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) from 2022 to 2025, is currently competing in the party’s presidential primary to secure its candidacy for the 2028 presidential election. As he campaigns for support ahead of the primary, his record during the previous administration, particularly his role in the development of Addu City, is coming under scrutiny.

When Fayyaz travelled to Addu for his campaign, the only people accompanying him as representatives of the Nasheed faction were two former Members of Parliament, Eva Abdullah and Ilyas Labeeb.

Eva, Nasheed’s sister, is the person Nasheed has proposed as Fayyaz’s running mate if Fayyaz wins the MDP presidential primary. However, as Eva is not expected to help Fayyaz secure additional votes in the presidential race, sources close to Fayyaz have indicated that his faction has not yet approved Eva’s name.

During his current campaign visit to Addu for the MDP presidential primary, Fayyaz Ismail faces questions over his development record during his tenure as Economic Minister from 2018 to 2023. Although development of Gan International Airport in Addu began during the administration of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, when Fayyaz served as Economic Minister, the project did not progress to any significant extent.

Road construction in Addu also began under Fayyaz’s government, but many roads remained unfinished even when the administration ended. During the five years Fayyaz served as Economic Minister, Addu residents spent much of their time in darkness because he failed to provide the city with a new generator and a cable. Yet, throughout those five years, Fayyaz presented himself to Addu residents as the most powerful minister, promoting his own image and influence.

Although many residents of Addu City earn a living from tourism, the city has limited tourism infrastructure. The five years of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, during which Fayyaz served as one of the most powerful ministers, were the most damaging period for Addu’s tourism industry.

One of the largest resorts in Addu, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives, closed during Solih’s administration, in which Fayyaz was also a minister. As a result, many Addu residents lost their jobs, leaving numerous families struggling financially.

During Solih’s presidency, Fayyaz repeatedly assured Addu residents that Shangri-La would reopen, giving them several dates for its reopening. However, his administration ended with Shangri-La left in ruins, causing significant losses to the people of Addu. It was the government of the current President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, that brought happiness to residents by reopening Shangri-La.

The biggest promise Fayyaz made to the people of Addu while serving as Economic Minister was to develop Hankede under an integrated tourism model. To pursue this vision, the Maldives Fund Management Corporation was established, and the project was handed over to the company.

However, apart from presenting attractive plans and designs that the critics describe as an attempt to mislead Addu residents, the Solih administration made no meaningful progress on the project during Fayyaz’s tenure as minister. Residents of Addu have now come to believe that a major project of this nature could not be delivered by a politician like Fayyaz.

The administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has begun efforts to turn the Hankede project into reality, bringing renewed hope for tourism development and economic opportunities in Addu. For many of his supporters, President Muizzu is seen as a leader driving development and working to deliver long-awaited projects for the people of Addu.

Meanwhile, Fayyaz Ismail’s visit to Addu to seek support in the MDP presidential primary has drawn criticism. Critics argue that key infrastructure projects, essential public services and tourism development did not progress sufficiently during his tenure, leaving several long-standing concerns unresolved for Addu residents.

With the Hankede tourism project now receiving renewed attention under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration, supporters view the current government’s efforts as an opportunity to advance Addu’s development and unlock its tourism potential. Against this backdrop, Fayyaz’s campaign visit has not been favourably received by some residents and critics, who question his development record and describe his trip to Addu as pointless in the context of his bid to secure the MDP’s presidential nomination for the 2028 election.