Maldives’s President Muizzu accused of corruption ahead of polls
Days before the parliamentary elections in the Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu finds himself amidst a political storm. Allegations of corruption dating back to 2018 have surfaced, prompting opposition parties to call for an investigation and even raise the possibility of impeachment. President Muizzu has vehemently denied these allegations. It’s worth noting that Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) is set to face off against the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the primary opposition party, in the upcoming polls scheduled for April 21st.
The political turmoil in the Maldives erupted on April 15, 2024, when an anonymous figure known as Hassan Kurusee leaked sensitive intelligence reports on social media, allegedly implicating President Muizzu in corruption. These reports, purportedly from 2018, pointed to suspicious transactions into the president’s personal bank account, citing ten red flags indicative of financial misconduct, including potential involvement in embezzlement and the use of corporate entities for fund concealment. The allegations sparked widespread debate on social media platforms, with demands from various quarters, including the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Peoples National Front (PNF), for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Amidst the clamor for accountability, former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed called for President Muizzu’s impeachment in light of the leaked intelligence reports. Jameel also criticized Muizzu’s handling of the Ras Male developmental project, alleging excessive corruption and lavish spending on public relations. While the media reported Muizzu’s late-night response on April 16th, vehemently denying any wrongdoing and accusing the opposition of desperation, government bodies have yet to officially comment on the legitimacy of the allegations. Muizzu reiterated his stance, asserting that previous attempts to implicate him during his mayoral and presidential campaigns had failed and that there was no substance to the current accusations.
Despite calls for investigation, no government agency has issued a statement regarding the allegations, leaving the matter unresolved as the country prepares for parliamentary elections on April 21st. With 368 candidates vying for 93 seats, the outcome of the elections could determine the future course of action against President Muizzu, who assumed office in November of the preceding year.
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