Parliamentary motion over Thinadhoo city status
Thinadhoo North MP Saudullah Hilmee has called for an investigation into the matter.
A parliamentary motion has been filed for a probe after a constitutional case has been submitted to the High Court challenging the city status of Gdh. Thinadhoo, citing allegations that its population does not meet the minimum legal requirement of 10,000 residents.
Thinadhoo was officially granted city status on August 31, 2023, by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during a campaign rally on the island. However, the legitimacy of this status has come under scrutiny. The Department of National Registration (DNR) reported Thinadhoo’s population as 7,906 at the time, falling short of the legal threshold of 10,000 for city designation.
Despite this, an Elections Commission (EC) report listed Thinadhoo’s population at 10,150. Population of 5,076 in the northern constituency and 5,074 in the southern constituency. The discrepancy between the two figures has raised suspicions, with critics questioning the sudden population increase.
Lawyer Mohamed Ragib Ahmed filed the constitutional case to revoke Thinadhoo’s city status, alleging discrepancies in the population data and potential misuse of administrative processes. Interestingly, Ragib was dismissed from his position as Deputy Minister of Environment shortly after filing the case.
Under the Access to Information Act, Ragib obtained DNR records indicating that as of November 17, 2024, Thinadhoo had 7,924 registered residents. This further reinforced claims that the island's population might have been inflated to qualify for city status.
Thinadhoo North MP Saudullah Hilmee has called for an investigation into the matter. In a letter to Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, he emphasised growing concerns among his constituents, particularly allegations of illegal activities to secure city status.
MP Saudullah highlighted accusations against Thinadhoo's council president and mayor, Saudh Ali, of using the city status to obtain larger grants and employ specific individuals. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
The decision to grant city status was a move by former President Solih during his re-election campaign. Critics argue that the announcement was politically motivated rather than based on genuine compliance with legal criteria.
The case has sparked public debate, with many questioning the processes used to elevate Thinadhoo’s status. If proven, these allegations could set a precedent for reviewing other similar decisions and ensuring adherence to constitutional and legal frameworks.
