Entire government is openly distributing bribes while all independent institutions remain asleep: Shathir
The MDP has expressed grave concern over the government's blatant use of bribery to influence upcoming elections, criticizing independent institutions for their silence on the matter. Highlighting the failure of the Elections Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission to fulfill their mandates, Shathir condemned their inaction and noted that while these bodies remain silent, the power to effect change lies with the people. He concluded by urging citizens to reject the government at the polls.
MDP National Congress member Shathir Abdul Rahman speaks at a press conference held by the party. | RaajjeMV | RaajjeMV
MDP National Congress member Shathir Abdul Rahman has stated that while the government is openly offering bribes in connection with the elections scheduled for April 21, all independent institutions remain dormant.
Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP on Sunday, Shathir alleged that the government is distributing bribes in various forms to secure victory in the upcoming Local Council and Women's Development Committee elections, as well as the referendum. He further claimed that extensive efforts are underway to exert undue influence over the electoral process.
Shathir stated that despite bribery occurring openly, there is no longer an independent institution in the country capable of speaking out freely or issuing a statement to condemn such acts. He further noted that this is a deeply concerning issue and expressed his condemnation of the situation in the strongest possible terms.
Expressing concerns regarding the integrity of upcoming elections, Shathir stated that the President of the Elections Commission (EC), Mohamed Zahid, is merely a puppet of the current administration.
Therefore, Zahid will not see it. Even when he steps out onto the street, I suspect he walks with his gaze fixed solely on the tips of his toes. That is the state the President of the Elections Commission is currently in. Just yesterday, we saw the PNC Parliamentary Group Leader traveling to the islands for campaigning and declaring that if they are granted an election victory, they will distribute specific amounts of money to certain groups of people. He promised that the money would be handed out the moment the results are announced. What kind of talk is this? Is this not bribery? When they are publicly and openly offering bribes in exchange for votes through the media, and the ACC and Elections Commission remain asleep, how can the public believe anything they say to the press? Their legal mandate requires them to investigate these matters the moment the government begins offering bribes in the public media. They should not need us to physically drag them there or submit a formal, large-scale complaint for them to act. Investigating such actions is a responsibility explicitly mandated to them by law.Shathir Abdul Rahman, a member of the MDP National Congress.
Shathir characterized the government's extensive efforts to influence the election as a "vile act." He noted that while independent institutions remain silent on the matter, the power to change this situation lies with the people, and he urged citizens to reject the government at the polls.
