HDC removes MDP campaign posters citing failure to obtain permits

HDC staff removing MDP campaign posters for Local Council Elections. (Photo/Muzayyin Nazim, Dhauru)

The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has systematically removed campaign posters belonging to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) across Hulhumale. Opposition candidates, including Fathimath Zahiyya, reported the removal of their materials, alleging that some were replaced by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) posters. HDC officials stated these actions were strictly procedural, citing the absence of required permits for public display. The corporation maintains that designated advertising zones were established earlier this year and that unauthorized materials are subject to removal. This enforcement follows standard protocols used during previous elections as political activity intensifies ahead of the April 4 polls.

HDC removed MDP campaign posters across Hulhumale.
Corporation officials cite the absence of mandatory permits for public displays.
Opposition candidates report the removal and alleged replacement of their signage.
HDC confirms that established advertising zones must be utilized.

Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the authority overseeing Hulhumalé, has removed campaign posters put up by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ahead of the Local Council Elections scheduled for April 4.

Several MDP candidates reported on social media that their party’s promotional materials were being taken down.

Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), the MDP candidate for North Hulhumalé, claimed that her poster had been removed and replaced with one promoting a candidate from the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC).

Poster of Fathimath Zahiyya (Zaya), the MDP candidate for North Hulhumalé in the Local Counci Election: Zaya has expressed concern over removal of the poster. (Photo/Zaya via Facebook)

A video shared on X by Dhauru journalist Muzayyin Nazim shows HDC employees removing MDP posters from public areas.

When asked about the video, an HDC media official stated that the posters were removed because they had been displayed without obtaining the required permits from the corporation.

In January, HDC announced designated zones for billboards and banners in Hulhumalé and has consistently reminded the public that installing posters or similar materials in public areas without authorization is prohibited.

The corporation has taken similar actions during previous elections, removing campaign materials that did not comply with permit requirements.

Political competition between the ruling PNC and opposition MDP has intensified as the Local Council Elections near.

By Naizak Mohamed

Journalist