Complaints filed with EC and ACC over Falah’s alleged bribery and unauthorized use of RTL ferries for Hoarafushi rally
31 މާރިޗު 2026 | އަންގާރަ 08:55The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Elections Commission (EC) have received formal complaints against PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah for allegedly offering financial bribes in exchange for electing specific candidates. The complaint further alleges that the government is blatantly exerting undue influence over the upcoming referendum process.
Ahmed Saleem has filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding an alleged bribery attempt linked to the upcoming local council elections. | RaajjeMV | Raajje MV
The Elections Commission (EC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) have been petitioned to investigate allegations that PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah offered bribes to the public. The complaint also cites the unauthorized use of RTL ferries to transport attendees to a political rally held in Hoarafushi.
Ahmed Saleem, a member of the MDP National Congress, submitted the case on Tuesday.
The complaint highlights allegations that the government is offering bribes and exerting undue influence over the election. Specifically, it notes that Ibrahim Falah, the Leader of the PNC Parliamentary Group and the party’s campaign manager for this election, promised a specific island a cash prize of MVR 100,000 on April 5th if they elect six designated candidates in the upcoming local council elections. Furthermore, he pledged to organize a MVR 150,000 volleyball tournament specifically for the women of that island. Additionally, the complaint alleges that RTL ferries were utilized in violation of established rules and regulations to transport people from various islands to a PNC rally held in HA. Hoarafushi.
On the night of March 20, 2026, MTCC operated special ferry trips outside its regular schedule to transport residents from various islands in Haa Alif and Haa Dhaalu Atolls to a PNC rally held in HA. Hoarafushi. Typically, MTCC ferries do not operate after 5:00 PM. These unscheduled trips were conducted with the intent to inflate attendance at the PNC rally and influence voters. This action constitutes a misuse of state resources to influence the upcoming election. Under established protocols, MTCC’s RTL ferries are strictly prohibited from conducting any trips outside of their officially sanctioned schedules.
In the motion submitted by Saleem, it was stated that these vessels are not intended for private charter. He noted that this marks the first time in Maldivian history that RTL ferries have been utilized to achieve political objectives. The motion further alleged that the government is openly influencing local council elections and referendums through the misappropriation of public funds and state resources.
