MDP: Government unable to name islands despite President Muizzu’s claim that councils are stalling projects in 57 locations

The main opposition party, MDP, has challenged the government to name the islands where development projects have allegedly stalled due to non-cooperation from local councils. This follows President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s claim that projects in 57 islands remain at a standstill because of councils opposing the government's vision.

Speaking at a press conference held by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday, Abdulla Waheed, the party's spokesperson for the upcoming local council elections and President of the Dhidhdhoo constituency, accused the government of attempting to exert undue influence over the elections. He further alleged that the administration is working to undermine the significance and authority of local councils.

Referring to President Muizzu’s claim that projects in 57 islands remain stalled due to local councils opposing the government's vision, Waheed stated that the President would not dare to name any specific island. He asserted that these remarks were merely an attempt to mask the current administration's incompetence. Furthermore, Waheed noted that a Right to Information (RTI) request has been submitted to identify the specific councils allegedly obstructing the government's work.

The President recently claimed that projects in 57 islands have been halted due to obstruction from local councils. We have submitted a Right to Information (RTI) request to obtain the specific details regarding these islands. To date, no information has been provided. I challenge the President to disclose the details of even a single island; he will not dare to do so. These remarks are a direct attempt to harass and undermine the councils. This is merely a narrative being pushed by the President to mask the government's own incompetence. Therefore, we expect the government to expedite the disclosure of this information.

Abdulla Waheed, the President of the Dhidhdhoo Constituency

Furthermore, Waheed stated that although President Muizzu has not personally visited the islands ahead of the council elections, job opportunities are being distributed across the islands in connection with the polls. He also alleged that efforts are underway to transfer prisoners to house arrest and to withdraw pending legal charges. Waheed further noted that despite these actions by the administration, the government lacks support in most islands and will fail to secure a victory in the upcoming elections.