Opposition accuses India of helping "steal" 2018 presidential elections

Acting leader of the opposition coalition Abdul Raheem Abdulla has accused India of helping the-then opposition to “steal” the 2018 presidential elections.

While the current opposition comprises of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), the latter’s leader made the claim during a gathering held by PPM on Friday.

Speaking there, Abdul Raheem said that the current governing coalition has smeared the reputations of the country’s institutions and alleged that the government has discredited ‘lessons from our ancestors’ including respecting and obeying leaders.

He further claimed that the “smiles were seen on the people’s faces” when former President Abdulla Yameen won the 2013 presidential elections, adding that the people could see the country’s quick progress economically.

Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, who ran as Yameen’s runningmate in the 2013 elections and the administration’s first Vice President until his impeachment through People’s Majlis in 2015, also spoke at Friday’s rally.

While Jameel joined the current ruling coalition following his 2015 impeachment, he rejoined PPM last year and the prominent lawyer is part of Yameen’s defence team.

The former VP has since stated that Yameen -who was convicted of laundering USD one million through state-run Maldives and Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) during his presidency- is a political prisoner. He added that many who carried MMPRC's embezzled funds in bags are sitting at the comfort of their homes.

Speaking at Friday’s gathering, Dr. Jameel said that the current PPM-PNC opposition “is the strongest” adding that this is because they are led by the “most capable and energetic leader” former President Yameen.

He also heavily criticized the current main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), accusing them of selling the country.