ACC urges voters and candidates to reject bribery and report election corruption

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has called on the public to reject bribery and report any corruption linked to the upcoming local council elections scheduled for April 4.

In a statement issued Monday, the commission said it has observed attempts to influence voters through bribery in past elections, including offers made to secure support for candidates or sway voting decisions.

“Such transactions undermine public trust in state institutions and agencies,” the ACC said.  

2026ވަނަ އަހަރުގެ ލޯކަލް ކައުންސިލް އަދި އަންހެނުންގެ ތަރައްޤީއަށް މަސައްކަތްކުރާ ކޮމިޓީގެ އިންތިޚާބާ ގުޅޭގޮތުން ހިންގާ ރިޝްވަތުގެ ޢަމަލުތަކާ ގުޅޭhttps://t.co/d39ZMcJz7O pic.twitter.com/PevQP5svfL

— ACC-MALDIVES (@ACC_Maldives) January 12, 2026

“It is vital that people prioritise integrity when making electoral choices. Bribery damages our future generations, our youth, and society as a whole.”

The commission stressed that the purpose of council elections is to elect capable individuals who can represent their communities and lead development efforts at the island and constituency level.

“Candidates who seek office by buying votes are robbing the people of their true power and acting only in self-interest,” the statement said.  

“Likewise, accepting a bribe and selling your vote for temporary gain is a betrayal of yourself, your family, and your community.”

The ACC reminded the public that offering or promising gifts, money, or services in exchange for votes, directly or indirectly, constitutes bribery under the law.

The commission urged voters, candidates, and campaigners to report any such incidents immediately. Reports should include details of the alleged transaction, the individuals involved, and the timeframe.

The ACC assured that it will investigate all reported cases, as well as those identified through its own monitoring.

Corruption remains a persistent issue in the Maldives, with frequent complaints about irregularities in public projects and election-related bribery. Allegations of job offers and cash handouts surface during every election cycle, but enforcement remains limited.

Many citizens have voiced frustration over the ACC’s handling of such cases, saying investigations are slow and accountability is rare.