Kudoo accuses PNC of attempting to buy councillor-elects to falsify support

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) lawmaker Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudoo) has accused the current administration and ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) of attempting to “buy” some of the newly elected councillors before their inauguration in the wake of the recent local council election, where a significant majority of citizens voted against the government.

Under existing legislation, individuals elected to local councils—whether representing a political party or running as independents—are allowed to change party affiliation prior to taking their oath of office. Council members face the risk of losing their seats only if they defect after being formally sworn in.

Speaking with Sun on Wednesday, Kudoo, who served as the MDP’s campaign manager in the recent elections, stated that he has received information suggesting that the government is extending various incentives to newly elected councillors. He asserted that, notwithstanding the clear mandate delivered by the public against the administration, the government continues to engage in further wrongdoing.

"There are efforts to purchase councillors, branding them as cheap. This undemocratic conduct, aimed at projecting a false sense of public support, will only further diminish the government’s credibility," Kudoo said.

He further called on the administration to avoid repeating such undemocratic practices.

Ibrahim Falah, PNC’s parliamentary group leader and its campaign manager, did not respond to calls or messages concerning Kudoo’s allegations.

During the election campaign, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Fallah had previously maintained that the PNC would not support independent candidates, emphasizing that all party-affiliated contenders would run exclusively under its banner.

Changing political affiliation prior to assuming office is not unprecedented. Mohamed Areesh, the current Deputy Mayor of Malé, was initially elected on an MDP ticket alongside Mayor Adam Azim but joined the ruling PNC shortly before taking his oath. Notably, Areesh contested the most recent election under the PNC banner and experienced a decisive defeat.

The elections held last Saturday—which included the referendum, local council elections, and Women’s Development Committee elections—represented a significant setback for the government. The opposition MDP secured clear majorities in five cities as well as in most of the country’s densely populated islands.

The MDP contends that this substantial rejection of the government midway through its term constitutes clear evidence that the public does not support the administration’s current policies.