PNC offers between MVR 1.5 million and USD 300,000 to opposition candidates to withdraw from local council elections
RaajjeTV has obtained evidence alleging that the ruling PNC is offering substantial bribes and employment incentives to opposition and independent candidates to withdraw their names from the upcoming local council elections. Investigations by the station confirmed that candidates in Kulhudhuffushi City were reportedly offered sums ranging from 1.5 million MVR to 300,000 USD, alongside tactics of intimidation and deception. Furthermore, the ruling party is allegedly promising candidates across the country high-ranking government positions, business loans, and overseas scholarship opportunities in exchange for their withdrawal.
Amidst serious allegations that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has been offering substantial bribes, RaajjeTV has obtained evidence confirming these activities. | RaajjeMV Graphics | Raajjemv graphics
Evidence has emerged confirming serious allegations that the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) is offering substantial financial bribes to opposition and independent candidates to withdraw their names from the upcoming Local Council and Women's Development Committee elections. RaajjeTV has obtained evidence corroborating these claims.
RaajjeTV has confirmed that Kulhudhuffushi City is one of the primary focuses of the People's National Congress (PNC) in its efforts to secure a majority in this election. Senior PNC officials have reportedly contacted candidates contesting various constituencies in the city, offering substantial sums of money on the condition that they withdraw their candidacy.
Evidence obtained by RaajjeTV confirms that several candidates in Kulhuduffushi City have been presented with "offers" ranging from MVR 1.5 million to as much as $300,000 in cash. The initial offers of MVR 1.5 million were reportedly increased incrementally, reaching up to $300,000 in cash for certain candidates. At official bank exchange rates, this amount is equivalent to approximately MVR 4.6 million.
Individuals affiliated with the PNC have reportedly contacted candidates, offering high-ranking government positions and employment. In some instances, party representatives have visited candidates' residences carrying bags containing large sums of cash. RaajjeTV has confirmed that after presenting the cash to these candidates, the representatives exerted pressure and used intimidation tactics to coerce them into withdrawing their candidacies.
The draw for candidates took place at 09:00 AM on Thursday. However, evidence obtained indicates that from Wednesday through Thursday morning, the People’s National Congress (PNC) contacted various candidates and visited their residences with bags of cash in an attempt to bribe them. RaajjeTV has also confirmed that efforts were made to deceive several candidates during this period.
The PNC has also been accused of engaging in deceptive tactics by falsely claiming that other candidates had accepted their "offers." Evidence reveals that some candidates were instructed to withdraw their names and feign illness to avoid attending the balloting center. These candidates were reportedly told to go to the hospital, with assurances that the party would "handle things from there." Furthermore, the evidence indicates that arrangements were even offered to transport candidates to other islands if they so desired.
RaajjeTV has confirmed that similar offers have been extended to numerous candidates across the Maldives, in addition to those in Kulhudhuffushi. The People's National Congress (PNC) has reportedly been promising substantial sums of money, high-ranking government positions, business loans, and full arrangements for higher education opportunities abroad.
RaajjeTV has confirmed these reports, while the opposition has also alleged that PNC campaign teams are visiting households to inquire about the number of individuals seeking employment or promotions. Furthermore, the opposition stated that the ruling party is approaching the public with illicit funds for bribery and is openly engaging in acts of corruption.
