MDP accuses gov’t of manipulating housing applications to influence council elections
MDP has accused the government of undermining decentralization by seizing control of housing unit allocation in Thulhaadhoo from the local council, despite a court order halting the process. The party claims the ministry's actions violate the Constitution and Decentralization Act, and are aimed at influencing upcoming Local Council Elections. MDP has called on authorities to stop and return control to the local council.
The 100 housing units were part of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration to address the housing issues facing B. Thulhaadhoo residents.
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure of violating the Constitution and the Decentralization Act by opening applications for 100 housing units completed in Thulhaadhoo island of Baa atoll during the MDP administration.
The party has argued that this move directly contradicts the principles of decentralization.
MDP highlighted that since the current administration took office, it has repeatedly worked to weaken the decentralization framework, centralizing administrative powers within government ministries.
The party pointed out that while the local council had been in the process of allocating these 100 housing units to their rightful recipients, the process was halted by a court order. In clear defiance of the court’s decision, the government has now taken control of the allocation process, transferring it to the housing ministry.
The party further noted that the ministry’s new policy excludes the local council from the allocation process entirely and has opened applications for the housing units until 11 April 2026.
MDP emphasized that these actions violate constitutional principles and the Decentralization Act, undermining the role of local councils.
The party has strongly criticized these actions, characterizing them as an attempt by the government to unfairly influence the upcoming Local Council Elections.
Further, the party called on the government to immediately cease these activities and allow the local council to carry out the allocation process as intended.
In addition to this, MDP urged the Thulhaadhoo Council to take all necessary steps to stop these actions, offering their full support and cooperation in the effort.
