Incumbent President Abdulla Yameen has unwittingly criticized his political rivals over information spread by a fake ‘news report’.

In a speech at a campaign event, held in Kulhudhuffushi island of Haa Dhaal atoll, President Yameen said he was ‘shocked’ by said information.

The fake ‘news report’ in question is a photograph shared on social media that shows a screenshot of a headline allegedly published by local online website Mihaaru News.  

However, while no such corresponding article or link exists, the screenshot was heavily shared. It carries a headline quoting opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as having said he wished to dissolve the Waste Management Corporation.

The headline has Solih saying that he wished to dissolve the company, which has shifted the way in which waste is collected and allocated in the great Malé area, and restore waste management to as it had been.

Mihaaru News has clarified that the article is not authentic and that it is an edited photo.

In his speech at Kulhudhuffushi, President Yameen had heavily criticized the opposition. However, his comments have been criticized by those claiming it is ‘careless’ and negligent for a president – especially one seeking reelection – to comment without authenticating reports.