Combining Two Elections Seen as a Tool for Political Manipulation: Zariyandhu

Ismail Zariyandhu, who has been appointed as the Mayor of Malé, has stated that combining the votes of the upcoming Local Council election with the Presidential election is a strategy used by President Mohamed Muizzu and his allies to extend their political influence. Zariyandhu, who was recently inaugurated as Mayor, explained that the government’s decision to merge the votes for these elections is an attempt to consolidate power and manipulate the electoral process. He emphasized that this move is not in the best interest of democracy but rather serves as a mechanism for political control. The Local Council election, scheduled for April, has been merged with the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.