HRCM Raises Alarms Over Allegations of Job Threats Ahead of Parliamentary Elections

The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has raised serious concerns regarding the use of job-related pressures and intimidation tactics in the lead-up to the parliamentary elections scheduled for next week.

In a press release published yesterday, the HRCM disclosed that it has received several complaints detailing various forms of election influence tactics, notably the leveraging of employment opportunities to sway voter decisions and threats of job loss for those backing specific candidates.

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Expressing unequivocal condemnation, the HRCM implored relevant authorities to wield decisive measures against perpetrators culpable of perpetrating such transgressions.

“The dissemination of falsehoods targeting candidates and political factions, alongside insidious practices like bribery, vote buying, job intimidation, vandalism of campaign materials, and obstruction of campaign activities, is utterly reprehensible,” the HRCM stated in its release.

In light of these revelations, the HRCM issued a resounding appeal to all stakeholders, urging a collective commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of the electoral process and ensuring the unimpeded exercise of electoral rights.

“As the electoral landscape intensifies in the run-up to the parliamentary elections, it is imperative that all candidates and political entities exhibit decorum and uphold the principles of fair play,” emphasised the HRCM.

Furthermore, the commission called on all contenders, political factions, governmental bodies, and citizens to conduct themselves in a manner befitting a democratic ethos, within the confines of the legal framework, to foster an environment conducive to the conduct of free and equitable elections.

HRCM’s statement comes at a time where allegations of job threats, vote buying and other unsavory campaign tactics have been circulating on social media. Other organisations such as Transparency Maldives and the opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) have also released similar statements.