Government has disenfranchised a large number of citizens in order to manipulate referendum result in its favor: Maaz Saleem

Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the MDP National Congress, has alleged that the government of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has already disenfranchised a significant portion of the Maldivian electorate to manipulate the outcome of the proposed referendum.

Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP on Sunday, Saleem stated that the public is deeply dissatisfied with the current administration and that a majority of citizens are eager to reject the government in the upcoming referendum.

However, he noted that officials from the current administration are disseminating misinformation during their campaign by instructing voters to mark their referendum ballots with a cross, an action that would effectively invalidate the vote.

The public is ready today to express a resounding "no" through their ballot papers. Realizing this, the authorities are now instructing people to mark the "no" section with an incorrect symbol. This is a very serious issue. It is deeply concerning when government representatives meet with citizens and instruct them to act in a way that deliberately invalidates their votes. This will lead to very dire consequences. They are issuing these instructions because if an incorrect mark is placed on the ballot, it transforms the vote into an invalid one. That is their objective—to change the outcome by ensuring those ballots are disqualified.

Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the MDP National Congress.

Expressing concern over the decision not to place ballot boxes in any foreign countries, Saleem stated that while the referendum is a significant national election, a large number of Maldivians have been disenfranchised. He further noted that ballot boxes are also not being stationed at the majority of the country's resorts.

Numerous Maldivian citizens reside abroad to fulfill various needs, with a significant number settled in countries such as Sri Lanka, India, and Malaysia. However, the current administration has not provided any of these citizens with the opportunity to participate in this vote. I must state that this is a clear departure from the principles of equality and justice. Furthermore, we note that polling stations have not been established in key industrial locations and many resorts. We have already submitted these grievances to the relevant authorities, including the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Human Rights Commission, and have met with their representatives to express our concerns. Nevertheless, to this day, no solution has been provided for any of these issues.

Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), a member of the MDP National Congress.

Referring to the current administration's efforts to influence the vote, Saleem stated that state funds and resources are being misappropriated. He further noted that the government is offering significant rewards as incentives to ensure the election of their preferred candidates.

However, he stated that there is currently no institution in the country capable of investigating any of these issues.