Applications Open for Thulhaadhoo Flats Amid Local Election Tensions

The Housing Ministry has opened applications for 100 flats developed in B. Thulhaadhoo under the government’s ‘Housing for All’ policy, despite warnings from the main opposition party that the move could influence the outcome of the upcoming local council elections.

Applications for the flats can be submitted through the Ministry’s ‘Hiyaavahi’ portal, with a deadline set for 11 April. The local council election on the island is scheduled for 4 April.

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To qualify, applicants must be registered residents of Thulhaadhoo or individuals who have migrated to the island and lived there continuously for at least ten years.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) criticised the government’s decision, describing it as an attempt to manipulate the election. The party also highlighted that the permanent list of recipients prepared by the Thulhaadhoo Council had been revoked by the Housing Ministry.

MDP has argued that disbursing the flats without council participation violates the Constitution, the Decentralisation Act, and the principles of local governance. The party has urged the Thulhaadhoo Council to take all necessary steps to prevent what it describes as an unlawful action.

Disputes over the housing units have persisted for more than a year. In September last year, residents staged a protest at the council office over delays in the allocation process, temporarily halting council operations. Following the protests, the council released a permanent list of recipients.

Last month, however, the Housing Ministry revoked the list, citing legal and procedural shortcomings, reopening the allocation process.