Former President Mohamed Nasheed declared on Saturday that he did not wish to evict anyone, despite the alleged corruption in distributing flats under the government's social housing schemes.
He made the statement at Dhidhdhoo, during his ongoing visit to Haa Alif Atoll. Supporters of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had raised concerns during a gathering with the former president, alleging that the flats developed in Dhidhdhoo were unjustly given to supporters of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
Responding to the complaints of bias involved in flat distribution, Nasheed stated that he did not wish to expel anyone that may have received an apartment unfairly.
"Nevertheless, fair or unfair, the people living in those flats are still Maldivians. I, for one, harbour no thoughts of turning them out and giving [the flats] to someone else," he said to applause, adding that the solution to the issue is to develop more flats.
The flats in Dhidhdhoo were developed in the area reclaimed during Nasheed's government. The former president had visited the area and met with residents.
Nasheed assured that he would deliver the public's concerns and suggestions to President-Elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, vowing to find solutions for the Maldivian people over the next five years.