A review of elections held since 2004 indicates that landslide victories and uncontested outcomes have not been unusual in the Maldives. Securing 99 percent of the vote or winning seats without opposition has occurred previously. However, such results invite scrutiny when the state expends substantial resources to strengthen democratic participation.
As the local council elections approach, a similar pattern appears to be re-emerging. Several seats have already been secured without contest. The underlying reasons for this trend, and the methods allegedly employed, warrant closer examination.
Two nights ago, Parliament's majority leader and campaign manager of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) for the local council elections, Ibrahim Falah, announced that the party had already secured approximately eight percent of local council seats uncontested. These include council president positions in Addu Dhiddoo and Mandhoo, Ha. Baarah and Utheemu, two seats in B. Eydhafushi, one seat in R. Fainu, and nine out of ten seats in Th. Vilufushi.
While PNC maintains that these are uncontested victories, Sun’s inquiry into the absence of opposition candidates in these constituencies has revealed allegations that mirror practices observed in previous elections. These include claims that opposition candidates were offered government employment or positions in state-owned enterprises to discourage them from contesting.
“One candidate from an island in Haa Alifu atoll withdrew after being offered a job,” a sitting councilor told Sun. “Two others from different islands in the same atoll were also offered jobs, but they chose not to withdraw. These are attractive offers.”
Poll workers at a polling station in Male' City count ballots in the 2024 parliamentary elections on April 21, 2024. (Sun Photo/Moosa Nadheem)
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has publicly raised similar concerns. The party’s spokesperson for the council elections, Abdullah Waheed, stated that the ruling party’s primary strategy appears to be the prevention of competition rather than electoral contestation.
“They are offering candidates jobs or even PNC tickets,” Waheed said. “The objective is to block competition by any means necessary.”
Waheed further accused the Elections Commission of facilitating this process. He alleged that extensions to candidate registration deadlines and the sharing of information regarding registered candidates had afforded PNC additional time to approach opposition candidates and pressure them into withdrawing.
“The Commission knows who has registered. That information is not shared equally. With additional time, candidates are being approached with offers to withdraw,” Waheed alleged.
In response to these allegations, Elections Commission Vice President Abdul Rahman Salah Rasheed denied any misconduct.
“The Commission does not provide any political party with information about another party’s candidates,” he said. “Candidates can only withdraw through the official portal using their personal login credentials.”
Elections Commission Vice-Chairman Abdul Rahman Salah Rasheed. (Photo/Elections Commission)
Sun’s investigation also found that the absence of MDP candidates in certain islands cannot be attributed solely to alleged inducements. In several constituencies previously administered by MDP councils, residents raised grievances against former officials, accusing them of neglecting public interests, favouring close associates, and prioritising personal business interests. Similar complaints were reported across multiple islands.
The use of government employment and state-owned enterprises for political purposes is not a new phenomenon in the Maldives. Despite significant fiscal pressure and rising national debt, successive governments have continued this practice, even as it places additional strain on public companies.
“If you contest a council seat, you spend money and risk losing,” a senior political figure explained. “If you accept a job instead, you get a guaranteed salary without political risk. Some people make that calculation.”
Concerns regarding job-related pressure intensified following a recent incident involving Abdul Kareem Abdullah, the brother of PNC chairman and Majlis Speaker Abdur Raheem Abdullah. Kareem claims that his two children were dismissed from government jobs after he decided to contest independently for the L. Fonadhoo council president seat, maintaining that the dismissals were linked to his candidacy.
Abdul Kareem Abdullah, the brother of ruling PNC Chairman and Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah, contesting the upcoming Local Council Elections against PNC.
Will Jobs Be Used to Win Votes?
Offering employment to induce candidate withdrawals may not be the only tactic alleged to be in use. Claims that jobs have been promised in exchange for votes have surfaced under every past administration, and political observers believe such practices could intensify ahead of the forthcoming elections, given their significance to the ruling party.
Indications of preparation are already evident. During presidential island visits last August, state-owned enterprises were assigned projects beyond their established mandates.
Maldives Road Corporation, established for road construction, was tasked with building hospitals in islands such as Haa. Ihavandhoo, L. Naifaru, and Hulhumalé. Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation, created to address housing shortages, has undertaken the construction of schools and multipurpose halls at inflated costs, despite limited progress in housing delivery.
Meanwhile, airport operator MACL, previously recognised for professional management, was assigned to construct exercise facilities in 63 islands, diverting resources from its core airport operations.
In light of this pattern, concerns that state-owned enterprises and public sector employment may be utilised as political instruments in the upcoming election appear increasingly plausible.
Sun has submitted questions to the government and PNC regarding these allegations but has not received responses at the time of publication.
The Constitution mandates oversight by institutions such as the Elections Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission, both of which are funded by public resources. However, across successive administrations, these bodies have rarely taken decisive action against governments in power.
Political parties secure electoral victories by making promises. This government came to power on the “India Out” slogan and obtained a Majlis majority by pledging accelerated development. As the local council elections approach, employment appears to be emerging as a new political currency.
Whether voters accept this is no longer a matter for politicians or the media.
The decision now rests with the public.