15,000 people employed in last three months alone to influence election: Ghafoor

The Chairperson of the opposition MDP, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, has alleged that the government has appointed more than 15,000 individuals to state-owned enterprises over the past three months alone. He claimed these mass hirings are a deliberate attempt to exert undue influence ahead of the upcoming local council elections.

Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP, Ghafoor stated that the current administration is exerting an unprecedented level of influence over the council elections, unlike anything seen in Maldivian history. He alleged that a significant number of jobs were handed out during January, February, and March of this year with the deliberate intention of "stealing" the election. Furthermore, he claimed that existing employees are being intimidated and transferred to islands away from their registered voting locations to obstruct their ability to cast their ballots.

Ghafoor further highlighted that there is evidence of a deliberate attempt to restrict voting opportunities for Maldivians living abroad, while embassy staff and their families are being brought back to Male' at the government's expense. He expressed concern that there is no assurance state institutions will investigate these matters. However, he warned that if bodies such as the Elections Commission, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and the Media Council fail to fulfill their legal mandates, they will be held accountable before the law.

State institutions must ensure they operate within the constitutional framework. If they deviate from these principles, we will hold them accountable before the law; let me be very clear—they will be summoned. Whether it is the Elections Commission, Public Service Media (PSM), the Anti-Corruption Commission, or the Media Council, these bodies must strictly adhere to their legally defined mandates. One must reflect on the changing nature of governments in this country. It is important to note that no administration has managed to remain in power beyond a single five-year term.

MDP Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa

Speaking on the transition of power, Abdul Ghafoor stated that no administration in the Maldives has managed to remain in office for more than five years. He noted that this is not a matter of the color on a ballot paper, but rather a reflection of the public’s mindset. Consequently, he emphasized that this government should not assume it will stay in power beyond five years, noting that the survival of any administration is ultimately decided by the people’s vote.

Furthermore, Abdul Ghafoor stated that senior officials from state-owned enterprises like Fenaka are intimidating employees, threatening them with dismissal if they do not vote for a specific candidate. He urged employees to note down the names of those issuing such threats, reminding them that such actions are criminal offenses for which legal action will be taken. He also asserted that no employee faced job-related intimidation during the MDP administration and emphasized that citizens should not have to succumb to government-led coercion.

I urge everyone to document the names and details of those making such threats, along with any supporting evidence. Threatening to terminate employees for not voting a certain way is a legal offense. We will take action. We have served a five-year term, and I ask you: did we ever intimidate anyone in any constituency? Did we ever force anyone to attend campaign centers? We did no such thing. Therefore, there is no need for new legislation today. No one can be dismissed for their vote, nor are they required to participate in campaign activities.

MDP Chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa

Concluding the press conference, Abdul Ghafoor called upon all state institutions to ensure the election is conducted fairly. He further stated that, given the current situation, the public no longer stands with the government. He expressed full confidence that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) will secure victory in the election.