MDP: Potential for Vote Rigging, Theft, and Fraud in Upcoming Election

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has stated that there is significant room for electoral fraud, vote rigging, and manipulation in the upcoming Local Council Elections, Women's Development Committee elections, and public referendums.

Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP on Wednesday, Abdulla Waheed, the party's designated spokesperson for the local council elections and President of the Dhidhdhoo constituency, stated that there are numerous concerns regarding the upcoming polls. He noted that even the arrangements made for the vote-counting process remain a significant point of concern.

Waheed stated that they are requesting measures to ensure the vote-counting process is completed as swiftly as possible. However, he noted that due to the Elections Commission's current arrangements, it is unlikely that observers and monitors will remain present by the time the local council election results are finalized and the referendum count begins.

Consequently, there is significant room for electoral fraud, vote-rigging, and manipulation. Based on the current arrangements made by the Elections Commission, we have been informed that the referendum ballots will only be counted after the conclusion of the local council election count. As the counting process is expected to span the entire night, this timeline provides an opportunity for those seeking to interfere with and distort the results. Therefore, we call for a revision of these arrangements to ensure a more secure counting process.

Abdulla Waheed, the President of the Dhidhdhoo Constituency, has been appointed as the official spokesperson for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for the upcoming Local Council Elections.

Furthermore, Waheed stated that the timeframe provided for observers and monitors to participate in the local council and referendum elections is considered insufficient. He added that proceeding with such arrangements without allowing adequate time creates opportunities for the most critical elections to be manipulated, fraudulent, or stolen.

Abdulla Waheed stated that he is calling upon the Elections Commission to plan and organize procedures in a manner that prevents such issues from occurring. He further noted that the MDP is scheduled to meet with the Commission on Thursday to share the party's concerns.

During the meeting, Waheed stated that they would request arrangements be made to address election-related concerns and ensure the process is organized in a manner that is convenient for the public.