We will hold EC accountable; if they manipulate the vote, we will bring them before the law: Shahid

MDP President Abdulla Shahid has stated that the Elections Commission will be held accountable and brought before the law if any attempts are made to rig the vote.

Speaking at a campaign rally in L. Maavah during a tour of the atolls with the party’s leadership, Shahid warned that the Elections Commission would be held accountable and face legal action if they manipulate the results of the upcoming referendums or council elections. Shahid emphasized that any officials involved in such irregularities would be brought before the law to answer for their actions.

Shahid also urged the Elections Commission to heed the public's calls and ensure their actions remain within the bounds of the law.

We will hold you accountable. I assure you tonight that if you attempt to manipulate these votes, we will bring you before the law. The year 2026 will mark an election that brings a new dawn to the Maldives; the "golden yellow" is once again spreading across the nation. From the furthest north to the deepest south, a new spark has been ignited. The MDP is now leading the Maldives toward a new beginning.

MDP President Abdulla Shahid

Furthermore, Shahid stated that the Maldives is heading in an entirely wrong direction and that they will not remain silent as the country continues on this path. He emphasized that the upcoming vote is not related to a council election, but is rather a referendum for the Maldivian people to decide on proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Maldives.

Shahid stated that, similar to presidential and other elections, the right to vote must be extended to Maldivians residing abroad in referendums as well.