MDP Claims Reopening of Thulhaadhoo Housing Applications Aimed at Swaying Elections

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused the Ministry of Housing of attempting to influence the upcoming local council elections by reopening applications for 100 housing units in Baa Atoll Thulhaadhoo.

The ministry cancelled the permanent list prepared by the Thulhaadhoo Island Council for the allocation of the housing units, which were constructed during the previous Maldivian Democratic Party administration. It has since announced that applications for the units will reopen on 11 January.

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The MDP has stated that the distribution of the housing units was halted under a court order and has argued that reopening applications without the involvement of the island council violates the Constitution, the Decentralisation Act and the principles of local governance.

The party has accused the government of engaging in an effort to influence the council elections and has called on the administration to immediately halt the process. It has also urged the Thulhaadhoo Island Council to take all necessary steps to prevent what it has described as an unlawful action.

The dispute over the housing units has continued for more than a year. In September last year, residents of Thulhaadhoo protested inside the island council building over delays in handing over completed row houses, resulting in the temporary suspension of council operations. Following the protests, the council published a permanent points list for applicants.

However, the Ministry of Housing announced last month that the list, which was compiled by the MDP-majority council, had been cancelled, citing legal and procedural issues.