President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has been caught up in a new scandal. He's facing corruption charges that have incited intense opposition. The opposition is not only calling for an investigation into these allegations but is also preparing for impeachment.
After a report detailing Muizzu's alleged corruption was leaked, political tensions in the Maldives have risen. The leakage came just as the Maldives is gearing up for parliamentary elections on April 21.
Nonetheless, Muizzu has dismissed these accusations, questioning why the government didn't file charges against him during their previous five-year tenure if they had evidence of any wrongdoing.
Following the leak, a war of words has erupted between the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Muizzu's Progressive National Congress (PNC).
What are the allegations?
The controversy began with a post on social media platform X by a user named 'Hasan Kurusee,' sharing documents from the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Maldives Police Service. These documents exposed details of the President's alleged corrupt activities.
According to mvrepublic.com, the leak unveils irregularities in transactions from Muizzu's personal bank account in 2018. At least 10 transactions from his account are under scrutiny for suspected corruption.
This reveals a pattern of financial mismanagement, involvement of leaders in these discrepancies, embezzlement, and the use of corporate entities to conceal the sources of funds.
Local media claim this is the first instance of an FIU report being leaked. No official response from the government has been presented yet concerning this report and allegations.
Opposition Prepares for Impeachment
In light of these reports, opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the People's National Front (PNF), have called for an investigation into the matter.
Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed has demanded impeachment proceedings against President Muizzu, accusing him of corruption in the Male development project and excessive spending on public relations.
Jameel Ahmed has appealed to Muizzu to cooperate with the investigation proceedings regarding the corruption charges raised in the leaked reports.
Muizzu's Response
Muizzu has denied the allegations raised in the leaked reports, accusing the opposition of leaking the report out of desperation.
He stated, 'When you try to impose something like this on me, you couldn't do it before, and you can't do it now. You cannot show anything against me, no matter how far you try to take this.'
President Muizzu also noted that if there had been any irregularities, they would have been brought to light during the five years the opposition was in power.
Will Muizzu Face Impeachment?
The Maldivian parliament, referred to as the 'People's Majlis,' has 93 members. Voting is set for April 21.
According to the Maldivian Constitution, to introduce an impeachment motion, the support of at least one-third of the parliamentarians is required. To pass the proposal, it requires the backing of two-thirds.
With 368 candidates vying for the 93 seats, the outcomes of the election will decide whether the opposition can bring forth an impeachment proposal against President Muizzu.
