MDP Alleges Fenaka, RDC Staff Being Forced to Re-Register to Vote in Different Islands

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused state-owned Fenaka Corporation and the Road Development Corporation (RDC) of forcing their employees to re-register to vote in islands other than where they are currently stationed. Abdulla Waheed, MDP’s spokesperson for the upcoming local council elections, made the allegations on Friday, claiming that the government is manipulating votes by coercing employees into re-registering in specific islands. The Elections Commission opened the re-registration window for the Local Council and Women’s Development Committee elections last Tuesday, with the deadline set for Monday. Waheed further accused the administration of exerting undue influence over the electoral process. These allegations follow earlier claims by MDP that three Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO) employees in Thinadhoo City were transferred for supporting MDP candidates. Meanwhile, Abdul Kareem Abdullah, the twin brother of ruling PNC’s Chairperson and Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdullah, alleges that his children were dismissed from government posts after he announced his candidacy for L. Fonadhoo Council presidency as an independent candidate.