MDP members initiate nationwide ID card confiscation operation - Waheed

MALE, Maldives — Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) Spokesperson Mohamed “Mundhu” Shareef and Deputy Media Manager Ali Waheed spoke to the media at an unprecedented 1100hr press conference at the Media Office to discuss allegations of opposition ID card operations in the runup to the runoff round.

Waheed also invited all members and supporters of the party and Maumoon 2008 Campaign to attend a special event by the name of Wathan Edheney Maumoonah (the nation wants Maumoon) to be held at the Alimas Ufaa Carnival on the night of the 26th.

Operations

Waheed alleged that members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) -led coalition are confiscating and hiding National Identity Cards of family members and friends in a nationwide movement to prevent supporters of DRP Presidential candidate incumbent President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom from voting.

Waheed condemned these acts and expressed alarm over reports that a male MDP coalition supporter in Naifaru Island, Faadhippolhu Atoll doused his wife in yellow paint following a domestic squabble over party affiliations. He said that he believes that rivalry should not reach the extent where relationships are threatened due to the elections.

Waheed also condemned acts of vandalism against DRP and members’ property in the atolls of Laamu, Haa Dhaal and Raa.

Student Loan

Shareef said at the conference that one of the largest sums mentioned as a loan in the Auditor General’s report of the Presidential Office was in fact a student loan which Gayoom granted to MDP Secretary General Hamid Abdul Gafoor.

He expressed his belief that based on these facts the President cannot be accused of granting monetary aid for political reasons as Gafoor is an opposition leader.