The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has received a petition seeking an investigation into the spending on the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC)’s rally held last Friday night.
The complaint was filed by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Assembly member Ahmed Saleem (Maaz Saleem), who alleged that the rally involved excessive and potentially corrupt expenditures.
According to the petition, MVR 60 million was spent on the event. Maaz cited a social media post by Addu-Meedhoo MP Abdul Rahman, which claimed the PNC had allocated an “unlimited” budget of MVR 50 million for the rally.
Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) National Assembly Member Ahmed (Maaz) Saleem speaks at party event on October 16, . (Photo/MDP)
“Given the circumstances, it is evident that a large amount of money has been spent in a manner that facilitates corruption,” the petition stated.
Maaz alleged that the largest expenses were for transportation, pocket money, and accommodation. He noted that the national airline’s largest aircraft, the A330-200, was used to fly people to Addu for the rally.
Maldivian brought its first Airbus A330 widebody aircraft earlier on January 6, 2025: The national carrier of the Maldives has now announced seeking a second A330 aircraft. (Photo: Maldivian)
Citing Velana International Airport’s domestic flight schedule, Maaz said 50 domestic flights operated between 01:00 in the wee hours of Thursday and 11:30 Friday evening, double the usual 20–25 daily flights. He estimated the cost of 30 return charter flights at a minimum of MVR 18 million, based on a per-flight cost of MVR 600,000.
He also claimed that boats were hired to transport attendees and that individuals were paid between MVR 1,000 and MVR 2,000 to bring people to the rally.
The petition calls for an inquiry into whether public funds or state resources were used to support the rally and whether any acts of corruption occurred.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu speaks at PNC's mass rally on November 14, 2025. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
The PNC rally, held to mark the government’s two-year anniversary, was attended by over 13,000 people, according to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Government officials and PNC members have described it as the largest political gathering in recent history, while critics have raised concerns over its cost and transparency.