MDP Urges ECM to Investigate Job Threats Ahead of Parliamentary Elections

The Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has raised concerns over alleged job threats made by the ruling party PPM/PNC ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, calling upon the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.

In a recent press release, MDP highlighted what it described as overt attempts by the ruling party to coerce government employees into supporting its candidates. According to MDP, the ruling party has been openly intimidating government workers with the threat of job loss if they fail to support PNC candidates.

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Statement condemning PPM/PNC threatening government jobs to influence Parliament electionshttps://t.co/N0uacyx8UO pic.twitter.com/YH0g3oEYIZ— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) April 13, 2024

Expressing strong condemnation of these alleged actions, MDP has urged the ECM to treat the issue with utmost seriousness. The party pointed to remarks reportedly made at a campaign rally for a PNC candidate contesting the Hinnavaru constituency, where tactics of coercion were allegedly detailed.

MDP contends that the government’s purported dismissal of individuals based on their political affiliations, as well as the preferential hiring of those aligned with the PNC, represent a grave violation of democratic principles. The party has accused the government of unfair practices aimed at influencing the election outcome.

Moreover, MDP alleges that state resources are being misused openly to support the ruling party’s campaign efforts, further exacerbating concerns of electoral malpractice. These actions, according to the MDP, amount to a systematic effort to intimidate voters and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

In light of these developments, the MDP has called upon the government to refrain from using coercion tactics to sway voters and has urged the ECM to initiate legal proceedings promptly to address these allegations.

The Election Commission has yet to respond to the MDP’s request for an investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, PPM/PNC denied the allegations in a press release, asserting that government employees are participating in the MDP campaign without any threat of job loss. 

The party gained public support by catering to people’s needs and the president is committed to upholding the values of democracy, according to the press release.

ނޫސްބަޔާން pic.twitter.com/cxhnSHVoX3— Progressive Party of Maldives (@ProgressPartyMV) April 13, 2024