PNC: No intention of forcing SOE employees to change voting location

Ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has denied allegations by main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) claiming employees of state-owned Fenaka Corporation and the Road Development Corporation (RDC) are being forced into re-registering to vote in islands other than where they are currently stationed.

On Friday, MDP’s spokesperson for the upcoming local council elections Abdulla Waheed alleged that the government is forcing employees of Fenaka and RDC to re-register in specific islands to manipulate and secure their votes. He further accused the administration of exerting undue influence over the electoral process.

PNC categorically denied the allegations on Saturday, describing it as “entirely false”.

The ruling party stated that they have no motive to be involved in such actions, stressing that putting the job security of employees in state-owned enterprises at risk goes against the core principles and vision of President Mohamed Muizzu.

The allegations by Waheed followed concerns raised by the MDP on Thursday, claiming that three employees of the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) in Thinadhoo City were transferred to other islands for supporting MDP candidates.

Meanwhile, Abdul Kareem Abdullah—the twin brother of ruling PNC’s Chairperson and Parliament Speaker, Abdul Raheem Abdullah—has alleged that two of his children were dismissed from their government posts after he announced his candidacy for L. Fonadhoo Council presidency as an independent candidate.

With the elections scheduled for April, all political parties are actively campaigning. On Thursday, a draw was held to determine the candidate numbers.