Nasheed’s campaign team alleges govt workers getting fired for showing support

The campaign team for former President Mohamed Nasheed has accused the government of suspending and even firing employees seen meeting him during his campaign tour of the atolls.

In a statement on Wednesday night, Nasheed’s campaign said it condemned the suspension and termination of government employees simply for going to welcome or greet the former president as he visits islands as part of his campaign for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairpersonship election.

“President Nasheed’s campaign calls on the government to immediately stop these vicious acts and reverse the measures,” reads the statement.

The campaign office stressed that the right to engage in peaceful political activity is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution for all Maldivian citizens, whether they work in the civil service or a state-owned company.

“We call on the government to immediately halt infringing on and violating rights for the purpose of interfering into MDP’s internal election and intimidating the people in general,” reads the statement.

The campaign team also pledged to provide legal assistance to government employees facing such action.

Nasheed has been increasingly vocal in his criticism of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu since the ruling party’s heavy defeat in the April elections – which he says is clear evidence of the loss of his popularity.

Nasheed is running for chairperson of MDP against MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem. The elections will take place Friday.