Yameen says elections signal end of vote buying

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said on Monday that the results of the Local Council Elections and the public referendum indicate a shift in voter behaviour.

Speaking at a gathering held at the PNF office, Yameen said the outcome shows that voters are no longer influenced by financial incentives and are instead considering their own interests and national welfare.

The elections, which included Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) contests, resulted in losses for the government. In the referendum on synchronising Presidential and Parliamentary elections, a majority of voters opposed the proposal.

Yameen said the results demonstrate that voters are not influenced by distribution of goods or benefits during religious periods.

“This election shows that the public cannot be swayed in that manner. People are now making decisions based on their own interests,” he said.

He referred to the outcome in ADh. Maamigili and Fenfushi, where the Jumhooree Party, led by Gasim Ibrahim, did not secure a majority.

Yameen said these results indicate that voters are not influenced by business or employment relationships.

“That period has ended. The public has shown that influence through money or power is no longer decisive,” he said.

He also called on President Mohamed Muizzu to take into account the outcome of the elections and consider public concerns in policy decisions.

Yameen said voters are now assessing the performance of the administration when making electoral decisions.

During the election period, allegations were raised regarding the use of financial incentives and other forms of influence. The Maldivian Democratic Party also alleged that some candidates were offered inducements to withdraw from contests.

No official response has been issued regarding these claims.