Meeting between MDP and EC has clearly exposed extent of government's influence over the commission: Shifaz
12 މާރިޗު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 11:03Shifaz noted that the meeting highlighted the commission's sincere intentions despite the significant operational challenges they face. He added that the commission members acknowledge the current system as one established through the diligent efforts and hard work of the Maldivian people.
Former Vice President of the MDP, Mohamed Shifaz (Shippe). | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
Former Vice President of the MDP, Mohamed Shifaz, stated that the party's meeting with the Elections Commission clearly demonstrated the extent of the government's influence over the commission.
Shifaz made these remarks during an interview with RaajjeTV on Thursday, following a meeting between the MDP and the Elections Commission.
Shifaz stated that during the meeting with the Elections Commission, it became evident that while their intentions are sincere, the Commission faces significant challenges in its operations. He further noted that the Commission acknowledges the current system is one established through the hard work and dedication of the Maldivian people.
It is truly disheartening. The most prominent observation from our meeting was that the President of the Elections Commission and its members possess very good intentions. However, we sensed that they are facing significant challenges due to the current constraints under which they are forced to operate. You are correct; they are well aware that the current system is the result of the immense hard work and sacrifices of the Maldivian people. While they recognize that both the Constitution and these independent institutions were hard-won, they share the deep concern that this entire system and the democratic process itself could slip away from us.Mohamed Shifaz (Shippe), the former Vice President of the MDP.
Shifaz further stated that despite these concerns, he believes the MDP's persistent efforts will yield positive results. He noted that the current state of the Commission and its mindset have become very clear today. In this regard, he highlighted that the meeting revealed the extent of the government's immense influence over the Commission.
The current state of the Elections Commission has been made crystal clear by their own rhetoric. The government's influence over the commission is absolute and overwhelming. It is truly excessive. Consequently, they are essentially admitting that they will only act if it falls within the narrow margins where government pressure allows them to do so. Let us see how this unfolds.Mohamed Shifaz (Shippe), the former Vice President of the MDP.
In addition to public rallies, the MDP is conducting pickup rallies to raise public awareness for the upcoming election.
