State Trading Organization (STO) has fired the manager at its GDh. Thinadhoo Branch, allegedly for not 'pressuring' his employees to take part in an event held by the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

RaajjeMV understands that Ahmed Luthfy had not just refused to pressure the employees, despite having been ordered to do so, but that he did not take part in the event as well.

While he was fired suddenly on Sunday, the termination notice states that he was dismissed because "of a change to the company's structure".

Luthfy is married to Thinadhoo Council member Mariyam Nareeman Shareef; all members of the Thinadhoo Council represent the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

In addition, MPs for North-Thinadhoo constituency and South-Thinadhoo constituency, Saudhulla Hilmy and Abdulla Ahmed recently left PPM.

While the ruling party held events across the country during the weekend, to show the 'unwavering support for the government', there have been reports that civil servants and employees at various state-owned institutions are being forced into taking part in such events held by PPM.

There have also been reports that some institutions are pressuring their employees to sign with the ruling party.