Entire state treasury will be tilted and drained to ensure the government wins elections as they desire: MP Meekail

Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency, Meekail Ahmed Naseem, has stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's administration will divert the entire state budget to ensure electoral victories in alignment with the government's objectives.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, MP Meekail alleged that the government is heavily influencing the upcoming local council elections and infringing upon the individual liberties of citizens. He stated that candidates contesting against the government are facing significant pressure, claiming that family members and relatives of such candidates are being dismissed from their jobs as a direct consequence of their participation in the election. Furthermore, he asserted that in addition to these intimidation tactics, the public will witness a massive increase in the distribution of illicit funds as the election approaches.

Highlighting that the administration is prepared to exhaust the entire state budget to secure election victories, Meekail stated that the government is currently hiring personnel at an excessive and unnecessary rate.

Furthermore, Meekail stated that while state-owned enterprises are being exploited for election purposes, employees of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) are being tasked with putting up posters for PNC candidates. He asserted that there is evidence to support these claims, describing the situation as a serious concern that requires the public to step forward and bring to a halt.

In Hulhumale', it is HDC staff who are putting up posters for PNC candidates. They are doing this while wearing their official uniforms. We have video evidence of this. We have recorded footage showing them putting up campaign banners while dressed in their HDC uniforms. This is a government that does not even care to maintain the appearance of not exerting undue influence. They are openly demonstrating their influence. They will continue to do so, and soon it will become unclear who the actual Managing Director of HDC is. It is possible that the PNC candidate contesting for the Male' Mayoralty will soon be portrayed as the MD of HDC.

Meekail Ahmed Naseem, Member of Parliament for the South Galolhu constituency.

Referring to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s own declaration that he would serve as the campaign manager for Male' in the local council elections, Meekail stated that this further demonstrates the extent of undue influence being exerted. He added that the President had openly announced his intention to distribute bribes while seated with candidates at the official residence, Mulee'aage.

Consequently, he stated that it is impossible to predict how the election will unfold, adding that this Local Council Election is set to be the most disgraceful one ever held in the Maldives.