Government has designed the referendum's vote-counting process to facilitate fraud and manipulate the outcome to their liking: Niyaz

Former Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, Ali Niyaz, has alleged that the proposed referendum on synchronizing presidential and parliamentary elections is a coordinated effort to manipulate outcomes, following a secret meeting between President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the President of the Elections Commission.

Speaking at an MDP campaign rally, Ali Niyaz stated that the local council elections had been announced well in advance, with all arrangements meticulously planned. However, he alleged that the President had pressured the Elections Commission to conduct a referendum midway through the process as a deliberate attempt to infringe upon the voting rights of the citizens. He further noted that the public has not received accurate information regarding this election, pointing out that many people remain under the impression that only the local council elections are taking place.

As this election continues to be organized in this manner, the public has yet to receive accurate and reliable information regarding the process. Most people we encounter remain under the impression that they are only participating in the local council elections. Furthermore, we have significant concerns regarding the arrangements for voting and the announcement of results for the council elections. There are also serious apprehensions regarding the time required to announce the results of the subsequent election, as well as the Elections Commission’s framework for monitoring and observing the entire process.

Former Member of Parliament for the South Hulhumale' constituency, Ali Niyaz.

He characterized this as an attempt to manipulate the election results. Furthermore, Niyaz stated that while the government claims its goal is to ensure high voter turnout, their actions suggest otherwise. He pointed out that a decision has been made not to place ballot boxes in any foreign country. Ali Niyaz further alleged that the decision to exclude countries with significant Maldivian populations—such as Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom—was intentional. He added that there is evidence of the government mobilizing embassy staff, who are under their direct control, to Male' instead.

Ali Niyaz further stated that the Elections Commission has yet to clarify who will be responsible for monitoring and observing the referendum. He alleged that these actions are part of a broader effort by the government to manipulate the election results to their advantage.