Zaya accuses HDC of committing a criminal offence by removing campaign posters in Hulhumale'

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)

Zaya, a local council candidate for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has formally accused the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) of committing a criminal offence by removing her campaign materials in Hulhumale'. She asserts that her right to campaign is being obstructed under the General Elections Act and claims the corporation is acting with political bias to favor candidates of the ruling party, the PNC. In response, the HDC maintains that all removals are standard enforcement actions against unauthorized placements, citing a January directive that restricts campaign materials to specifically designated areas.

Zaya alleges that the HDC's removal of campaign posters constitutes a criminal violation of electoral rights.
The MDP candidate claims the HDC is acting under presidential instruction to disadvantage opposition campaigns.
The HDC states that all removals were strictly due to a lack of prior authorization.
The corporation clarifies that enforcement actions have been applied to materials from both the MDP and the ruling PNC.

Hulhumale' North council candidate Zaya has accused the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) of committing a criminal offence by removing campaign banners and posters put up for the upcoming local council elections.

Speaking on SSTV’s Baaru Hathareh programme, the MDP candidate said she was the first to formally request permission from HDC to place campaign materials in Hulhumale', but had not received approval to date.

She argued that candidates have the right to display campaign posters and banners in public spaces under the General Elections Act. “This action by HDC is a direct criminal offence by influencing my electoral rights,” she said.

Zaya further alleged that HDC acted at the instruction of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and was attempting to obstruct the campaigns of MDP candidates while giving “a green opportunity” to PNC candidates.

HDC, however, has stated that the posters were removed because they were placed without permission. The corporation announced in January that designated areas had been allocated for billboards and banners in Hulhumale', and has repeatedly reminded the public that displaying posters or banners in other areas without authorisation is prohibited.

HDC has removed campaign materials from multiple parties, including both the ruling PNC and the opposition MDP, for violating these rules.

The PNC and MDP are among the main contenders in the upcoming council elections.

By Azhaar Abdul Azeez

Writer