A case has been filed with the High Court seeking a thorough review of the city status granted to GDh. Thinadhoo, with an emphasis on ensuring transparency and adherence to legal requirements. The initiative reflects the nation’s commitment to uphold fairness and accountability in governance.
Ahmed Raghib, a lawyer and Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, has taken the lead in raising concerns about the accuracy of the population data that formed the basis for Thinadhoo’s city designation. Raghib believes this step is essential to safeguard the integrity of administrative decisions and to promote trust in public processes.
The case highlights discrepancies in the population figures, with Raghib pointing out differences between the Thinadhoo Council’s records and data from the Department of National Registration (DNR). He asserts that the current population is approximately 7,924, which falls below the 10,000 threshold required for city status.
Among the issues raised are duplicate entries, repeated names with different ID numbers, and an alleged inclusion of 115 deceased individuals in the population list. These claims emphasize the importance of robust systems and accurate record-keeping in governance.
Raghib’s case also calls for a review of all administrative actions taken based on Thinadhoo’s city status, fostering a constructive dialogue on how to refine and enhance processes related to such critical decisions.
The decision to grant Thinadhoo city status was announced by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during a campaign rally on August 30, 2023, and later ratified by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in March. This case offers an opportunity to revisit the decision, ensuring it aligns with the best interests of both the island and the nation.
While the case raises questions, it also presents an optimistic outlook for strengthening systems, enhancing transparency, and reaffirming the values of fairness and integrity that guide the nation’s progress.
