MDP alleges intimidation of candidates ahead of council elections

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused the government of influencing and intimidating some of its candidates ahead of the upcoming local council elections.

The allegations were made at a meeting held on Monday to discuss the party’s preparations for the council elections.

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, Mohamed Rasheed Hussain, a member of the MDP’s Election Committee, said the government was attempting to secure electoral outcomes through pressure on candidates.

He alleged that individuals nominated by the MDP had been contacted on behalf of the People’s National Congress and urged to withdraw their candidacies, with some reportedly facing threats related to their employment.

Rasheed said the party had been compelled to replace certain candidates as a result of such actions. He added that particular pressure had been placed on candidates employed by state-owned enterprises.

The MDP also announced that it will hold internal primary elections on the 16th of this month in constituencies where candidate nominations remain unresolved. The party’s election committee said the primaries would be conducted in accordance with established procedures.

According to the party, around 14,000 members are eligible to vote in the primaries, and 55 ballot boxes will be set up across constituencies.