Spirit of change is felt across entire country; citizens must turn out to vote despite lack of a level playing field: Shifaz
Shifaz has called for a vote against the government, alleging that the upcoming elections will not be free and fair. He stated that despite the Elections Commission's arrangements preventing many from voting, a nationwide spirit to change the current situation remains prevalent.
Former Vice President of the MDP, Mohamed Shifaz, addresses the audience during the party's "Heyvalla Thayyaaru" rally. | MDP | MDP
Former Vice President of the MDP, Mohamed Shifaz, has stated that a "vibe" for change is sweeping across the Maldives, asserting that citizens must turn out to vote and defeat the government even if the elections are not entirely fair.
Speaking at the MDP’s "Heyvalla Thayyaaru" rally held in Hulhumale' on Wednesday night, Shifaz stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration obstructs peaceful political activities. He asserted that those aligned with the current government's ideology do not respect the country’s democratic system and will seek various ways to dismantle it.
Referring to the three elections scheduled for April 4, Shifaz stated that although voters will have the opportunity to mark their own ballots this time, the elections will not be free and fair.
Shifaz stated that the Elections Commission is also working diligently to ensure the election results align with the government's desired outcome.
He stated that ballot boxes were intentionally not placed in resorts, industrial islands, or foreign countries as a tactic to disenfranchise a large number of voters.
I must reiterate that the election you are preparing to vote in on April 4th is not a free and fair election. It is not a just or transparent process. While one might argue it is "free" to some extent—simply because you still have the opportunity to mark your own ballot—it is by no means fair. The primary purpose of any election is to facilitate a path for as many citizens as possible to voice their will. In the past 18 years, we have not seen an election where the space for the public to express their voice has been as restricted as it is now.
Furthermore, Shifaz stated that despite the lack of free and fair elections, there is a nationwide sentiment favoring a change in the current situation—a sentiment he noted is evident from Haa Alif Atoll to Addu City.
He therefore called upon all citizens to come forward and vote against the government to bring about a change in the current situation.
