Niyaz: Election spending is not a waste, but a fundamental expenditure
5 މާރިޗު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 09:54The MDP has urged the public to vote against the government's efforts to consolidate elections, labeling the move a deceptive ploy. Speaking at a party rally, senior officials stated that now is the time to reject government policies and called on citizens to prevent the establishment of an authoritarian regime through constitutional amendments.
Former MDP Deputy Chairperson Ali Niyaz addresses the crowd during a pickup rally held by the party on Wednesday. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Ali Niyaz, the former Deputy Chairperson of the opposition MDP, has stated that election expenditures are essential, fundamental costs for the state and should not be viewed as wasteful or a financial burden on the government.
Speaking at an MDP rally held Wednesday evening near the Machangolhi Buru area, Ali Niyaz stated that every state has essential core expenditures that are fundamentally necessary. He emphasized that elections conducted within a democratic system to gauge public opinion are among such vital expenditures. He further asserted that these costs should under no circumstances be characterized as wasteful spending.
Every nation or state has certain essential expenditures that must be undertaken. Among these is the expenditure incurred by the state to consult its citizens, engage with them directly, and understand their perspectives on public affairs. This is not a waste of resources, nor is it an excessive amount; it is an absolutely necessary expenditure.Former Deputy Chairperson of the MDP, Ali Niyaz
In his remarks, Niyaz alleged that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s efforts to synchronize the two elections are part of a deceptive agenda. He called on all citizens to vote "no" in the upcoming referendum regarding this matter. Niyaz further emphasized that this is the moment for the public to resoundingly reject the government's policies, asserting that this mid-term vote must serve as a clear demonstration of public dissatisfaction with President Muizzu.
Other MDP officials who spoke at the gathering also heavily criticized the government's policies. They alleged that President Muizzu is attempting to establish a long-term authoritarian regime in the Maldives by amending the laws. They further described these legal changes as a significant step toward achieving that objective.
Furthermore, senior MDP officials have urged the Maldivian public to resoundingly reject President Muizzu in the upcoming elections scheduled for April 21, in order to prevent the nation from regressing by another 25 years. This pickup truck rally was part of a series of activities organized by the MDP to raise public awareness ahead of the upcoming elections.
