Complaint filed with ACC over President Muizzu’s decision to distribute 16.1 million Rufiyaa; EC petitioned regarding the transfer of Gaadiffushi employees to other islands

A complaint has been filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision to distribute MVR 16.1 million to the owners of Sinamale' and Male' Hiya flats ahead of the Local Council and Women's Development Committee elections. Additionally, a separate case has been submitted to the Elections Commission (EC) concerning the transfer of employees working in Th. Gaadhiffushi to other islands as the elections approach.

Both matters were submitted on Thursday by Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) National Congress.

In a formal complaint addressed to the President of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Adam Shamil, Saleem has alleged that President Muizzu is unlawfully utilizing state resources and funds to influence the outcomes of the upcoming local council elections and the constitutional referendum.

The complaint alleges that President Muizzu’s decision to waive outstanding payments and penalties for Sinamale' 1, 2, 3, and 4, as well as Male’ Hiya 1 and 2 flats, constitutes bribery ahead of the election. Furthermore, the move to grant 100,000 MVR to each flat owner is cited as evidence of this bribery. The total value of these waivers and payments amounts to 16.1 million MVR.

Saleem has requested the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the distribution of money as bribes during the election period. The request highlights that such actions constitute acts of corruption and are strictly prohibited under both the Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act and the General Elections Act.

Furthermore, Saleem has lodged a complaint with the Elections Commission regarding the transfer of Gaadhiffushi residents employed at the local Fenaka office and MTCC to other islands within Thaa Atoll and parts of Laamu Atoll. Prior to filing the case with the EC, Saleem had also submitted the matter to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

In a formal complaint addressed to the President of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Mohamed Zahid, Saleem argued that reassigning a small group of four or five individuals to vote in a location other than their home island compromises the principle of ballot secrecy. Emphasizing that local council elections must be conducted via secret ballot, Saleem  noted that if only three or four people from Gaadhiffushi are transferred to vote at a specific ballot box on another island, it would become glaringly obvious how each of them cast their vote.

Furthermore, the complaint alleges that instructing employees to vote for government candidates and transferring them to different islands effectively deprives them of their right to vote freely. Consequently, Saleem has requested the Elections Commission (EC) to investigate the matter to ensure the freedom and secrecy of the election. In the formal complaint, Saleem also included the names and details of the employees who were transferred in this manner.

Speaking after filing the complaint, Saleem  stated that the Elections Commission (EC) initially attempted to reject the matter. He noted that although the commission claimed the complaint had to be submitted to a specific center in a particular manner, they were unable to clarify those exact requirements. Saleem further explained that the commission only accepted the case after he repeatedly raised these concerns and reminded them that they are legally obligated to process such complaints.

Furthermore, Saleem stated that there is no legal provision allowing President Muizzu to distribute public funds at his own discretion. Saleem emphasized that relevant authorities must investigate these matters, alleging that President Muizzu is distributing money to secure votes in violation of the established laws and regulations of the Maldives.