Landlord sues Adeeb’s defunct party over unpaid rent and legal costs

The Maldives Third-Way Democrats (MTD), a now-defunct political party founded by former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, is facing legal action over unpaid rent for its former office premises. The landlord has filed a case at the Civil Court seeking to recover overdue payments and legal expenses after the party allegedly failed to fulfill its financial obligations.

According to a recent Civil Court ruling, MTD accumulated MVR 380,000 in rent debts up to the end of April. Despite the outstanding balance, the party reportedly did not vacate the premises, prompting the landlord to demand an additional MVR 30,000 per month until the property is formally returned. The complaint also includes a claim for MVR 25,920 in legal fees.

MTD did not respond to the lawsuit, leading the landlord to request a default judgment. However, the court dismissed the case, stating that procedural requirements for such a ruling had not been fully met. The ruling did leave the door open for the case to be resubmitted in accordance with proper legal protocols.

The case highlights the continued fallout surrounding MTD, which was dissolved earlier this month after failing to meet the minimum 3,000-member threshold required under the Political Parties Act. Founded in December 2018 by Adeeb following his political downfall, the party struggled to maintain relevance and structure in recent years.

Adeeb, once a central figure in former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration as Tourism Minister and later Vice President, was later convicted in the high-profile MMPRC corruption scandal. Though sentenced to prison, he was granted a pardon toward the end of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s term. Adeeb is currently residing overseas.

The dispute underscores the unresolved legal and financial issues trailing both Adeeb and the remnants of his short-lived political movement.