MDP petitions ACC over allegations of overt government influence on April elections; ACC confirms investigation is underway!

The main opposition party, MDP, has alerted the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to allegations of government interference in the upcoming local council elections, Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, and referendum votes scheduled for April 4.

The MDP has established internal committees to oversee efforts related to the upcoming referendum and local council elections. Over the past few days, these committees have met with relevant state authorities to share their concerns.

Following a meeting between the MDP and the Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday, former Hulhumale' MP Ali Niyaz told RaajjeTV that undue influence is being exerted on the upcoming elections in violation of electoral laws.

Niyaz further noted that during these meetings, they are clarifying the specific measures being taken by institutions to remain free from government influence.

Niyaz stated that the current administration has amended the Decentralization Act to prevent councils from allocating land and launching major projects during their final year in office. According to the amendment, councils are now required to obtain authorization from both the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the Local Government Authority (LGA) before hiring new staff or leasing land during their final year of the term.

Under the amendment, the regulations formulated by the Local Government Authority (LGA) detail the specific documentation councils must submit to the Authority and the Ministry of Finance and Planning to obtain these approvals, as well as the procedures to be followed in granting them.

Niyaz stated that the amendment was not introduced by this administration in good faith.

This amendment was not introduced by the government in good faith, as they continue to award projects and recruit new employees even today.

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

Niyaz further stated that the MDP has brought to the attention of the ACC allegations that the President is exerting influence over the Elections Commission. He added that the ACC has confirmed they are currently looking into these matters.

Niyaz stated that the government is acting without restraint because they are certain there is currently no one to hold them accountable.

The unbridled distribution of jobs and similar practices are being carried out to such an extent because, we believe, the government is certain there is no one to hold them accountable.

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

Furthermore, Niyaz stated that the public has not been provided with comprehensive information regarding the proposed referendum. The MDP continues to assert that the constitutional amendment to synchronize the two elections was introduced because the administration anticipates President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s defeat in the 2028 presidential election, viewing it as an attempt to secure a victory through undue influence.