Deceptive tactics and the abuse of power being employed to suppress votes for MDP candidates!

Sources from GA. Dhevvadhoo have informed RaajjeTV that the current administration is distributing bribes in various forms to secure victories in the upcoming Local Council, Women's Development Committee, and referendum elections. They further alleged that the government is utilizing undue influence and power, employing several deceptive tactics to reduce the vote count for MDP candidates.

A source from the island informed RaajjeMV that the government is using its power to influence the Gaafu Alif Dhevvadhoo Council election. The source further alleged that various efforts are being made to reduce the vote count for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate contesting for the council presidency.

Reports indicate that employees at the Fenaka branch in Gaafu Alif Dhevvadhoo are being subjected to undue influence to prevent them from voting. This targeting specifically affects staff aligned with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and those related to MDP candidates. In one instance, a Fenaka employee residing in Dhevvadhoo with his spouse was abruptly transferred to his home island of Gaafu Alif Maamendhoo without prior notice. The employee was reportedly given two specific conditions to meet if he wished to be transferred back to Dhevvadhoo.

One proposal involved the employee’s wife’s family pledging their votes to the PNC candidate for Gaaf Alif Dhevvadhoo. Alternatively, it was suggested that if they were unwilling to vote for the candidate, the family members should register to vote in Malaysia instead. According to a source who spoke to RaajjeMV, an offer was made to cover their airfare and accommodation expenses for the trip. The source further noted that PNC members were well aware in advance that no polling station would be established in Malaysia, suggesting the move was intended to prevent the family from casting their ballots.

Alternatively, they are requiring six family members to register for Malaysia. This is not for voting purposes, but rather an arrangement where their travel tickets and accommodation will be provided. The government was well aware long ago that no ballot box would be placed there, and they are also aware that these six individuals are MDP supporters.

A source from GA. Dhevvadhoo who spoke to RaajjeTV.

Furthermore, a family member of an MDP candidate was abruptly transferred to another island within the same atoll. Although the employee requested a formal written notice regarding the transfer, no such documentation has been provided to date. The employee, who is a breastfeeding mother, has faced significant hardship due to Fenaka’s sudden decision and the directive to relocate within a single day.

The Fenaka branch station manager contacted the employee again, insisting on a departure scheduled for the following day. Notably, a member of the manager's own family had contested the election on a PNC ticket. To date, the employee has not received any formal documentation regarding the transfer. Despite having a nine-month-old infant, the employee was told they must depart immediately, with a ticket issued solely for them. Although the employee submitted a medical certificate and requested family responsibility leave, they were informed that any discussions regarding leave must be handled by the branch at their new destination.

A source from GA. Dhevvadhoo who spoke to RaajjeTV.

According to sources from the island, the primary objective behind these actions is to disenfranchise voters. To achieve this, various government agencies are reportedly being utilized to employ different tactics aimed at obstructing citizens and exerting undue influence over the election.

The MDP continues to allege that while the government is openly offering bribes in connection with the elections scheduled for April 4, all independent institutions remain dormant.