Azim says PNC council to again rent Male land for allies

Adam Azim on Thursday warned that land allocations in Malé would continue under the same approach if the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) retains a majority in the city council.

Azim made the remarks at the launch of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) campaign at Artificial Beach ahead of the upcoming local council elections.

Referring to an audit report on land allocations during the tenure of President Mohamed Muizzu when he served as Mayor of Malé, Azim said the findings raise concerns about how land was distributed.

Azim, who is seeking a second term as mayor, said the MDP would administer the council with a focus on the rights of residents. He said the current council structure, where PNC councillors hold a majority, has limited the mayor’s ability to implement policies.

He said that unless changes are made in the council’s composition, land in the city could continue to be allocated under existing practices.

Commenting on the land audit, Azim alleged that the report shows irregularities in land leasing and allocation. He claimed that some plots were leased to multiple parties, some were allocated without rent, and in certain cases, subdivisions were created and leased at low rates.

Azim said decentralisation allows councils to function independently and that local governance should not depend solely on the central government.

The PNC has not publicly responded to the allegations.