MDP drops lawsuit over ex-camp site seizure in Democrats rift
Ruling PNC has now established its camp in the building.
The case surrounding the sudden seizure of the former camp of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has been dropped.
The MDP had filed a legal claim against Shafiyya Zubair, the owner of Henveyru Veyovilla, accusing her of violating an agreement by ordering the party to vacate the premises ahead of schedule.
In May 2023, Shafiyya Zubair instructed the MDP to vacate the premises by May 14, 2023, despite a prior agreement that allowed the party to occupy the space until July 31, 2023. This abrupt order came after Shafiyya Zubair, who had once been aligned with the MDP, joined the newly formed Democrats—a political party formed by loyalists of former President Mohamed Nasheed who defected from MDP.
Following this directive, the MDP filed a case in the Civil Court, arguing that the termination of the agreement and the vacation notice were unlawful, as they violated the terms previously agreed upon. The party also sought interim orders from the Civil Court to allow them to continue using the space for the remainder of the lease term, but their requests were repeatedly denied.
As the legal battle progressed, the MDP found itself in a difficult position. It was unable to secure any favourable orders from the court, and eventually, the party withdrew its motion for an interim order.
On December 12, the MDP submitted a letter to the Civil Court, officially withdrawing the case. The reasons cited for the withdrawal were financial and practical—the MDP stated that continuing with the case would require further resources, both in terms of time and finances, with no clear benefit for either party.
After the MDP vacated the premises, the property, which is located near the artificial beach, was handed over to the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC). The PNC has now established its camp in the building.
