Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) mayoral primary candidate Ali Azim has announced he will go to court to seek compensation for lands leased at reduced rates during President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure as Mayor of Malé. Speaking on Adhadhu’s Etherefuh programme, Azim stated that he would pursue a civil case in court rather than file a police complaint.

‘Even now, the city council has the right to go to court to seek compensation for wrongdoing attributed to Muizzu. These are not necessarily matters for the police — the law allows the city council to proceed directly to court in civil cases,’ Azim said.

Azim stated he would approach those who received land at lower prices to resolve the issue amicably — but if unsuccessful, he would pursue court action to cancel the agreements and reclaim the land.

‘I will speak with them to bring the rate up to market value. If that does not work, I will go to court and cancel the contracts — and will disclose the agreements as needed,’ he said.

He added that a team of lawyers would be formed within the first six months of his term as mayor to seek compensation for damages to the city council. Around 40 per cent of the land leased in Malé was allocated during Muizzu’s mayoral tenure. A list released by the city council in November 2025 shows that 63 of the 157 plots of land have been leased under Muizzu’s administration.

He also sold hundreds of parking spaces on the streets of Malé. However, the former Attorney General advised that this was unlawful, and the city council decided not to renew the parking space agreements.