If an election is conducted via e-voting in 2028, even the marked ballots will not be visible: Mauroof

Mauroof Zakir, the Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency, has warned that if e-voting is introduced for the 2028 or 2030 elections, it could reach a point where the physical marks made by citizens on their ballot papers are no longer visible or verifiable.

Mauroof made these remarks while addressing the "Heyvalla Thayyaaru" rally organized by the opposition MDP.

Mauroof characterized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential address to the People’s Majlis as a "presidential fabrication." He stated that the MDP parliamentary group’s review of the address revealed that 90 percent of its content consisted of false information and inaccuracies. Furthermore, Mauroof accused President Muizzu of attempting to deceive the public by setting new deadlines in a bid to secure victory in the upcoming local council elections.

Criticizing the promises made by President Muizzu, Mauroof stated that the claim of developing 10 resorts to provide $400 annually to every Maldivian citizen is beyond belief. He noted that while the President speaks of "halal tourism," it is difficult to comprehend how resorts operating without the sale of alcohol or pork could generate sufficient revenue to be distributed among the public. Mauroof further asserted that the President seizes every opportunity to deceive the public by spreading falsehoods.

He claimed that by developing 10 resorts, he would provide $400 annually to every citizen. This is the same individual who spoke extensively about "halal tourism." I find it hard to believe that alcohol or pork would be sold at the resorts he plans to build. I cannot comprehend how he intends to develop these resorts without such sales and still manage to distribute $400 to every Maldivian citizen. Ahead of every election, whenever he finds a podium, a microphone, or any opportunity at any event, his sole aim is to deceive the public by spreading falsehoods. He continues to fabricate lies to such an extent that he attempts to make these untruths appear as the absolute truth.

Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency.

Mauroof further stated that if President Muizzu remains in power for much longer, the citizens' right to vote could be lost entirely. Highlighting that the upcoming local council elections represent a narrow window of opportunity to reject the President's policies, he warned that if the wrong choice is made, this could very well be the last election where the people's vote truly counts.

What I am saying is that if we transition to e-voting for an election in 2028 or 2030, we will no longer see the physical marks we cast. If we vote incorrectly in this upcoming council election, it is entirely possible that this will be the last time we ever see our own ballot marks. Look at him! The arrogance and pride in his speech, and his very demeanor; when he addresses the citizens, it feels as though he is speaking in jest, mocking the people. It is as if he is saying, "I will do this, I will do that, and you will just have to deal with it." Today in Parliament, we even heard him instructing the Speaker to remove members, turning around and demanding they be kicked out. Consequently, the names of our MDP Parliamentary Group members were called, and they were removed. At this level of perceived power, it seems he truly believes he is a monarch.

Mauroof Zakir, Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency.

Mauroof alleged that the government’s move to hold a referendum—under the guise of synchronizing elections and cutting costs—is actually a calculated attempt to extend the presidential term. He further asserted that President Muizzu is governing like an autocratic monarch, systematically restructuring state institutions to serve that end. Mauroof also noted that the President’s demeanor, even when addressing members on the Majlis floor, reflects a spirit of mockery and contempt toward the public.