Shahid accuses govt of taking council land to obstruct MDP activities

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid has accused the government of taking control of 14 sites under Malé City Council's jurisdiction to restrict the opposition party's political activities in the capital.

Shahid, who has announced his intention to contest the MDP's presidential primary, made the allegation on Friday following the government's decision to transfer 14 land plots in Malé and Vilimalé from the council's jurisdiction to state control.

Several of the sites are public spaces used for political gatherings, demonstrations and community activities. They include Rasfannu, the Kaanivaa area, Malé City Hall at Thaiseykoshi, Artificial Beach and Bondibath Park.

Shahid, who served as Foreign Minister in the previous MDP administration, said the government had presented the decision as a measure to facilitate development projects but alleged that its actual purpose was to prevent the MDP from organising activities in the Greater Malé area.

"Even if they take every place where a protest, rally or gathering could be held, the MDP is not a party that will back down. The MDP will continue to move forward with strength," Shahid said.

He described the transfer of the sites as another step in what he alleged was a continuing effort by the administration to weaken and dismantle the decentralisation system.

Shahid also warned that the government could extend similar measures to other parts of the country.

"They have started with Malé City today. The government will only stop after taking land under the jurisdiction of island councils and other city councils as well," he said.

The government's decision follows an announcement by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure identifying 14 sites previously under Malé City Council's jurisdiction for state development projects.

The ministry said the sites were required for infrastructure development, commercial projects and the provision of public services.

The announcement comes amid disagreements between the government and Malé City Council over the implementation of development projects without consultation or prior notification.

The council has repeatedly expressed concern about the government's decisions to undertake projects on land under its jurisdiction without involving the elected council.

Among the sites included in the transfer is Thaiseykoshi, where the MDP held its most recent party congress.

The opposition party held the congress in a tent erected at the site after the government declined to provide another venue for the gathering.

Malé City Council is currently controlled by the opposition MDP, which secured a majority in the local council elections held in April, replacing the previous council controlled by the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).

The government recently amended legislation governing land and decentralisation to allow land under local councils to be taken for state development projects.

Under the decentralisation law, a 14-day period must be provided for submitting objections following a decision to transfer land under a council's jurisdiction to the government.

The transfer also follows legislative changes affecting Malé City Council's responsibilities and revenue.

Under a law recently ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, responsibility for maintaining roads in Malé has been removed from the council until the end of 2029.

The changes will also result in the council losing revenue from traffic-related fees, one of its principal sources of income.

The developments have added to disagreements between the government and the opposition-controlled council over municipal authority, land management and the decentralisation of public services.