Jailed Parliamentarian for Galolhu-South Constituency, Ahmed Mahloof has called on all citizens to vote against the Government backed candidates in the Local Council Elections, which will be held on Saturday.
A statement released by the Parliamentarian issued the appeal, stating that this was essential in changing the face and status of the nation. He added that the Elections Commission (EC) is an institution that was not trusted by the public, warning that they will attempt to change the outcome of the vote, on orders of the Government. MP Mahloof urged all to cast their ballots to challenge this.
The results of this elections, MP Mahloof said will grant majority to the opposition and will act an impetus to bring in change, in spite of the challenges posed by the Government for the opposition figures. As such, the Parliamentarian noted this will be a positive push to reform the judiciary, independent institution, reduce the pressures on citizens by reforming the taxes, duties and prices of general goods.
“The Government had failed to find answers a father was demanding for the murder of Dr. Afrasheem. Justice was denied when Yameen Rasheed, who was demanding justice for missing journalist Rilwan, was murdered. Justice was denied to Ibthihal and the 24 who were murdered during this administration, while trials on political figures progressed at rapid fire pace. Theft and corruption has reached extreme levels. Laws have been changed so much that no citizen can exercise their rights. Any person deemed an opponent is behind bars. Anyone, including own half-brother, who sacrificed to bring him to power are now in jail. Opposition candidates have been forced to sign to PPM, have had their candidacies nullified, intimidated; all of this is done without any shame,” the statement said.
Remarking that President Abdulla Yameen did not travel to any islands for the campaign, Mahloof said that this was a sign that even he believed the result would not be positive for his administration. Any claims made to the contrary, he said will be rejected as the public were more than aware of the situation.
Mahloof appealed not to view this election just as a simple one, urging every single able voter to do cast their ballots.
“Vote in sympathy for those who are in jail. Vote if you believe that you have a right to privacy and if you believe that you must not be compelled to unlock your phone. If you believe that development should not come at a cost, where we can develop four 25-story buildings by US$ 140 million. Vote to secure rights and justice. See this as a Presidential election, say no to President Yameen by this vote,” it said.
