Maldives's President Muizzu accused of corruption ahead of polls
Just days ahead of the Maldives's parliamentary elections, President Mohamed Muizzu is embroiled in a political controversy. Opposition parties have demanded an investigation and his potential impeachment due to corruption allegations dating back to 2018. The president has categorically denied these claims. Notably, Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) is competing against the main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), in the polls scheduled to be held on April 21.
Leaked reports spark political uproar in Maldives
The controversy ignited when an individual using the pseudonym "Hassan Kurusee" posted leaked intelligence reports on social media. These documents, purportedly prepared by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Maldives Police Service, suggest possible corruption involving Muizzu. Subsequently, local media reported that these leaked documents indicate suspicious money transfers to Muizzu's personal bank account, raising serious concerns about financial misconduct.
Opposition parties demand investigation into President's conduct
While media outlets are cautiously handling the issue, opposition parties MDP and People's National Front (PNF) are calling for a thorough investigation. Former Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has publicly demanded Muizzu's impeachment in light of these leaked reports. He also shared the documents on his social media account, emphasizing the need for accountability in governance. Furthermore, he accused the president of widespread corruption in his flagship "Ras Male" development project and excessive spending on public relations.
President Muizzu refutes allegations, accuses opposition of desperation
Meanwhile, responding to the corruption allegations, Muizzu has firmly stated that the opposition "cannot show any wrongdoing on his part regardless of how far attempts to implicate him are taken." He accused the opposition of leaking the reports out of desperation. "The same allegations had been made during his campaigns for mayor and president," he said, adding that his response would remain unchanged. As yet, there has been no official statement from the government regarding the validity of these allegations.
Upcoming elections could determine Muizzu's fate
A total of 368 candidates are vying for 93 seats in this year's parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21. Representatives of all the 93 seats in the People's Majlis are elected in single-member constituencies using the first-past-the-post system. The results of these elections will decide whether the opposition parties can take action against President Muizzu, who assumed office in November last year.
