PPM candidate Fathuhee: Accept defeat, government influenced elections

Opposition candidate in the Komandoo by-elections from Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Moosa Fathuhee stated that despite the government influencing the elections in various manners, he accepts defeat and the results.

Following the passing away of MP Hussain Waheed, the sitting member of Komandoo constituency in the Parliament, the by-election for the seat was held today.

As per the temporary results, with majority votes, the candidate from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Rashaad won the seat with a total of 1,396 so far.  

Fathuhee came second having received 1,164 votes.

“I accept the results. But this was done with government influence. State resources unjustly for the election. That is a fact that can be seen.”

He went on to state that the election today was not a just one, and accused the government of using state resources, influence and power of their positions.

“Had the election been an independent and fair one with equal opportunities, this would not be the result.”

Additionally, Fathuhee noted that concerns of the election being influenced has been shared with Election Commission and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) but none of the authorities provided support.

He accused the Election Commission of not investigating the complaint submitted by him and said that as there were no members in ACC, their work was halted.

Meanwhile, he noted that during the entire process of contesting and campaigning for this election, he received full support from the former President and leader of PPM Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Moreover, Fathuhee said that despite losing this election, his resolve remains unchanged.

“I received the full support and corporation from the party and members of the party from all three islands of the constituency. So, the result was changed unjustly with the power of government resources.”