Saturday's election was the most poorly organized and poorly planned election in Maldivian history: MDP

The main opposition party, MDP, has characterized the local council and Women’s Development Committee elections held on April 4, along with the accompanying referendums, as the most poorly organized and ill-planned elections in Maldivian history.

Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP regarding the elections, Abdulla Waheed, the party's spokesperson for the local council elections and President of the Dhidhdhoo constituency, stated that the MDP has expressed concern over the organization of the electoral process since the very first day.

Waheed stated that the primary concern was the conduct of the Elections Commission. He noted that the commission had complied with the government's influence to organize the election in a manner that disenfranchised many citizens. Specifically, the MDP had been expressing its concerns following the commission's decision not to place ballot boxes abroad.

As this election concludes, we have witnessed what can be described as the most poorly organized, unplanned, and chaotic election in Maldivian history. The Elections Commission's preparations were structured in a manner that directly undermined the fairness of the process. We have consistently raised these concerns. In particular, the actions of the President of the Elections Commission reflected this lack of integrity and poor management throughout the proceedings.

Abdullah Waheed, the President of the Dhidhdhoo Constituency, who acted as the MDP spokesperson for the Local Council Elections.

Waheed stated that with less than 24 hours remaining before the election, the President of the Elections Commission acted in a manner that compromised the secrecy of the ballot and made remarks that encouraged voters to abstain from casting their votes.

He further stated that this clearly demonstrates that the commission's president, Mohamed Zahid, is under the direct influence and control of the government.

Furthermore, Waheed alleged that Zahid, in his capacity as the President of the Elections Commission, has exerted every possible effort to ensure a government victory in this election. Waheed further stated that members within the Commission itself have been providing information suggesting that officials are attempting to manipulate the entire electoral process.

Waheed stated that if the President of the Elections Commission is not afforded the opportunity to fulfill his legal mandate as the head of an independent institution, he should step down from his position.