MDP Accuses Government of Misusing State Institutions to Target Opposition

News

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has strongly condemned recent actions by the administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, accusing it of weaponizing state institutions to suppress political opposition and democratic freedoms.

In two press releases issued on December 28, 2024, the MDP outlined concerns about what it described as systematic efforts to erode independent oversight institutions and politically persecute members of the opposition.

One press release highlighted recent amendments to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act, which grant President Muizzu the authority to appoint the President of the ACC. The MDP argued that these changes undermine the impartiality and independence of the commission, turning it into a tool for political vendettas. The statement also pointed to alleged corruption within key government bodies, such as the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and called for credible investigations into these allegations.

The second press release condemned an early-morning police raid at the residence of MDP National Council Member Moosa Ali Manik. The party described the incident as a clear act of intimidation, claiming it is part of a broader trend of harassment targeting opposition figures. The MDP alleged that this raid, conducted while the council member and his family were asleep, demonstrates the administration’s growing disregard for democratic norms and basic rights.

Additionally, the MDP detailed other incidents they believe illustrate the government's overreach, including:

1. Investigations by the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee into senior MDP officials, including former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
2. Travel bans imposed on former officials accused of corruption, such as Akram Kamaludeen and Ahmed Saeed Mohamed.
3. Summonses and threats against MDP members for social media posts and public speeches.

The MDP accused the government of using these actions to deflect attention from allegations of corruption within the current administration, asserting that no meaningful investigations into such claims have been initiated.

Calling on the international community for support, the MDP emphasized the need to safeguard the Maldives’ democratic freedoms and uphold transparency and accountability in governance.

These accusations add to mounting political tensions as President Muizzu’s administration continues to face scrutiny over its governance and alleged partisan use of state mechanisms.