Allegations surface against gov’t over vote-buying and plans to extend presidential term
Mauroof urged the public to remain vigilant and resist the normalization of corruption
Meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers
Serious allegations have emerged accusing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration of orchestrating a large-scale misuse of state resources in a bid to extend the presidential term through a public referendum. The government is being accused of looting the state and engaging in systemic embezzlement to finance vote-buying efforts aimed at securing support for this controversial plan.
The claims were raised during a political gathering held by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Friday, where MP for Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir raised concerns over the scale and nature of the administration’s actions. He alleged that the government’s primary objective is to manipulate public sentiment by offering jobs and financial incentives in exchange for votes that would legitimize an unconstitutional extension of presidential powers.
The lawmaker stated that the president has made over 4,000 promises since taking office, many of which are seen as unrealistic and unachievable.
He argued that even if every citizen were to be mobilized to fulfill these promises, they would remain unattainable, suggesting the pledges were made recklessly to gain political favor rather than to deliver tangible results.
Stressing that the current administration is also being accused of continuing in the same vein of political deception that brought it to power, he warned that the government is rapidly draining public funds through unchecked political appointments and financial handouts, with the goal of consolidating power under the guise of a public mandate.
These developments have raised alarm among political analysts and citizens alike, with growing concerns that if the alleged plan succeeds, it could undermine the democratic foundations of the country. Further, the lawmaker stated that the implications of extending presidential rule through financial coercion could be devastating, potentially pushing the nation into irreversible political decay.
As discontent brews, the opposition MP has urged the public to remain vigilant and resist the normalization of corruption and authoritarianism. He warned that the stakes are not just political, but existential for the country’s democratic future.
