Malé City Council Deputy Mayor Mohamed Areesh has dismissed allegations made by the opposition against President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, urging that the mayoral race be centred on constructive plans for the city rather than what he described as false claims.

The opposition has alleged that President Dr Muizzu, during his tenure as Mayor of Malé City, unlawfully allocated land.

Responding to the allegations in a post on X, Deputy Mayor Areesh stated that no land was sold during President Dr Muizzu’s two years and six months as Mayor. He also said that no land was rented out irregularly during that period.

Areesh said President Dr Muizzu’s tenure as mayor was instead characterised by improvements in municipal services, initiatives aimed at strengthening religious and social values among residents, and increased engagement with the public to ensure city management reflected the needs and concerns of the community.

Areesh criticised the opposition’s campaign strategy, saying it relied on lawsuits, intimidation, and divisive rhetoric rather than genuine plans for urban development. He warned that attempts to politicise the council or “hijack the courts” would not serve the people nor win their support.

He stressed that winning the mayoralty should be about positive changes in municipal services, including shelter, housing, and community facilities, alongside close consultation with residents.

Areesh underscored that local councils are not legally established to oppose the Government, but to work with it in delivering municipal services and rural development for the people.