MDP Accuses Housing Ministry of Influencing Elections with Thulhaadhoo Housing Reopening

The Maldives' main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has accused the Housing Ministry of reopening applications for 100 housing units in Baa Atoll Thulhaadhoo to influence the upcoming local council elections. The housing units, constructed during the previous MDP administration, had a permanent allocation list compiled by the Thulhaadhoo Island Council, which the ministry recently canceled. The ministry announced that applications will reopen on the 11th of this month. MDP criticized the move, stating that reopening applications without involving the island council violates the Constitution, the Decentralization Act, and local governance principles. The party accused the government of attempting to sway the elections and urged immediate action to halt what it called an 'unlawful' move. The dispute over the housing units has been ongoing for over a year, with residents previously protesting delays in allocations.