We must not allow this administration the opportunity to steal the referendum vote: Waheed

The government will attempt to rig the referendum vote, and the public must not allow them that opportunity, stated Abdulla Waheed, the spokesperson for the MDP Council Elections.

Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP on Monday, Waheed stated that there are numerous concerns regarding the election, which have been shared with the Elections Commission. However, he noted that none of these issues have been resolved.

Waheed stated that the current administration will attempt to manipulate the referendum and rig the vote. He urged the public to remain vigilant and insisted that they must not allow such an opportunity to arise. He further noted that while three elections are scheduled for April 4, the referendum ballots will be the final ones to be counted.

Furthermore, Waheed stated that if the government wins the referendum, it will establish an authoritarian regime. He emphasized that the public must reject the referendum in order to reclaim the nation.

We requested the Elections Commission to complete the counting of the referendum votes prior to the Local Council Elections. However, they have failed to respond to our request. Therefore, I urge all our observers and monitors to remain stationed at the ballot boxes on the night of the count until the entire process is finalized. I call upon everyone to remain vigilant and act in a manner that ensures no opportunity is given to those attempting to steal this vote.

Abdulla Waheed, Spokesperson for the MDP Council Election.

Noting that this administration’s actions contradict its rhetoric, Waheed stated that despite President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier pledge not to visit the islands in conjunction with any election, the President and the entire cabinet are currently active across the islands according to his schedule. He further highlighted that the First Lady, Sajidha Mohamed, is also actively participating in these campaign trips.

He stated that while the entire world remains deeply concerned over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Maldivian government has shown total indifference, remaining preoccupied with its political campaigning. He further noted that instead of implementing necessary austerity measures, the administration is depleting the national budget by distributing political appointments.

However, Waheed stated that immediately following the election, measures would be implemented that would cause significant hardship for the public, and he warned that citizens must be prepared for this outcome.