"This election will go down as the one that most severely restricted fundamental right to vote for eligible citizens, raising serious questions about its legitimacy"

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has stated that the upcoming Local Council Elections, Women's Development Committee elections, and the scheduled referendum will be the most restrictive elections to date for citizens exercising their fundamental right to vote.

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 concerns regarding the upcoming elections are being raised across all regions of the Maldives.

He noted that while private individuals and NGOs continue to voice their concerns, many are also actively working to provide counsel to the government on the matter. However, Waheed stated that, to date, no adequate solution has been provided to address these grievances.

He stated that it has become certain today that a large number of Maldivians will be unable to cast their votes in this election. Consequently, Waheed questioned whether this could even be considered a legitimate election.

In previous elections, we witnessed extensive efforts to ensure that eligible voters were provided with the best possible opportunities to cast their ballots. Voting arrangements were facilitated across nearly all resorts in the Maldives. However, what we are seeing today is an inability to place ballot boxes in resorts, industrial islands, or even at overseas locations. Consequently, this election is set to become the one that most severely restricts the fundamental right of eligible citizens to cast their votes.

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.

Waheed stated that the Elections Commission had been previously requested to ensure arrangements are made to allow as many people as possible to vote when a national election is held alongside the local council elections. However, Waheed noted that the commission’s planning and organization have been carried out in a manner that would prevent a significant number of people from casting their ballots.

He stated that the decision not to place ballot boxes abroad is concerning, particularly as countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia are home to a significant number of Maldivian citizens.

However, noting that their right to vote has been stripped away today, Waheed stated that the individuals previously stationed at those embassies have now been brought back to the Maldives by the current administration.

He noted that embassy staff and several ambassadors were seen participating in PNC campaign activities today. Abdullah Waheed further stated that this was a deliberate and coordinated effort between the PNC and the Elections Commission, expressing the party's profound concern over the matter.