Maldives shaken by allegations of vote buying amid PNC’s dominant election victory

In a startling turn of events, the Progressive National Congress (PNC) has clinched a commanding super majority in the Maldives' parliamentary elections, causing ripples of astonishment throughout the Indian Ocean archipelago. With over 72 seats secured so far, PNC's triumph has been marred by widespread accusations of vote buying and undue influence wielded through monetary inducements.

As the election results settled, eyewitness reports emerged detailing the distribution of cash bundles, ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 Rufiyaa ($325 to $1,625), in exchange for votes. Concerns were raised about compromised campaigns, with opposition figures alleging systematic buying-off of key personnel, resulting in the loss of vital campaign resources and strategic information.

In several constituencies, such as Horafushi, Hinnavaru, Mahchangoalhi Medhu, and Gahdhoo, Hulhumale’ South, suspicious behavior among pivotal campaign members cast doubts on the integrity of the electoral process. However, amidst these allegations, instances of resilience surfaced, like in Hanimaadhoo, where the incumbent lawmaker successfully defended their seat despite attempts to undermine their campaign.

However, not all succumbed to these alleged tactics. In Hanimaadhoo, the incumbent lawmaker actively managed the campaign based on the island, successfully fending off attempts to undermine their efforts, securing re-election. For instance, in the Hanimaadhoo constituency, a peculiar pattern emerged among all 58 invalid votes: both candidates were check-marked, indicating approval for both. This raised suspicions of potential influence in the voting process.

Conversely, in Addu Hithadhoo North, credible reports suggest this constituency witnessed the highest per-vote payments, potentially reaching a staggering 25,000 Rufiyaa ($1,625) per ballot cast in favor of PNC.

The Speaker of the Majlis, Mohammed Aslam, was defending his seat from this constituency.

The overnight shifts in various constituencies, which defied earlier surveys projecting a comfortable lead for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have left many bewildered. 

"There were surveys conducted during the campaign period that provided a picture of the constituencies, indicating a comfortable lead for MDP," stated a key strategist involved in gathering information, questioning the validity of the final results.

Sources close to the Ministry of Finance allege that the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) transferred $20 million to Mr. Raju, a prominent business figure allied with the ruling PNC, with authorization from the Ministry of Finance. This transaction purportedly enabled the widespread distribution of funds by President Muizzu and his ruling PNC for vote buying.

In an effort to dissect the strategies employed by PNC, analysts have turned to the Ansoff Matrix, revealing PNC's multifaceted approach to securing victory:
Constituency Penetration: Muizzu and PNC infiltrated constituencies, actively recruiting MDP supporters from the party's voter lists and registering them as PNC members. These newly registered individuals were instructed to vote for the "government backed candidate" during the primaries, a slogan that resonated throughout the campaign trail.

Constituency Development: Before Muizzu's leadership, PNC's membership base was relatively limited. However, by encouraging defections from MDP and the allied Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), PNC experienced a significant influx of members, enabling the party to gain a foothold in constituencies by targeting specific demographics and islands with robust MDP support.

Ongoing infrastructure development projects in various islands were strategically stalled by Muizzu's administration, with constituents offered the prospect of resuming progress – contingent on voting for the "government backed candidate."

Campaign Development: Mirroring his successful presidential bid, Muizzu's campaign introduced fresh faces distinct from MDP's established candidates. PNC's sloganeering centered on national sovereignty, Islamic and nationalist themes, narratives proven effective inpresidential election. These slogans resonated with voters, differentiating PNC from its primary rival. Additionally, Muizzu capitalized on dissatisfaction with MDP by offering cash incentives, attracting undecided voters.

Diversification: PNC diversified its tactics through unconventional means, including alleged bribery, job offers within the government and state-owned enterprises, and pledges of employment to influential families in exchange for support. The purported last-minute buying of campaign managers and officials further broadened PNC's appeal, providing a competitive edge over MDP.

As the Maldives comes to terms with the election outcome and PNC's supermajority, concerns over the integrity of the democratic process have taken center stage among politicians. The repercussions of these parliamentary polls and Muizzu's majority paint a bleak political landscape for years to come, as corruption allegations and the government's hesitation for transparency risk relegating democracy to the backseat in PNC's newly acquired supermajority in the People's Majlis.

Bribing MPs is not a new allegation against Maldives President Muizzu. Following a psychological drama initiated by some politicians regarding the impeachment of the president, he embarked on poaching opposition MDP MPs. The amounts paid are only speculation among the public. President Muizzu managed to defect 13 MPs from the opposition MDP. Former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen described the defections as 'buying and selling' parliamentarians by Muizzu.

As the Maldives grapples with the aftermath, concerns over democratic integrity loom large, casting a shadow over PNC's parliamentary supermajority. The allegations of vote buying and influence peddling have deeply unsettled the democratic process, prompting reflection on the nation's commitment to transparent governance.

The path ahead remains uncertain, with the fate of democratic ideals in the balance. Will the Maldives withstand the pressures of corruption and undue influence, or will these challenges erode hard-won freedoms? Only time will reveal the resilience of the Maldivian people and their commitment to democratic principles amidst the storm of controversy.