Former President Abdulla Yameen has said that money is being distributed everywhere as the people cast ballots in today’s parliamentary elections.
Speaking to reporters after voting, Yameen said the law, which makes bribery an offence, is unenforceable.
"They are distributing money here and there. I am not saying that distributing money is wrong. But it becomes wrong when it is a crime under the law. But what are we doing by making laws that cannot be enforced by the police or the state," he said.
"They're distributing money everywhere. There are some places giving MVR 5,000 for every voter. Some places are giving more than MVR 5,000."
The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has also expressed concern over bribery during the parliamentary campaign.
“There are reports of lies being spread about various candidates and political parties without intentional harm, bribery, vote buying, job intimidation, damage to campaign posters and campaign obstruction,” the HRCM said in a statement on April 14.
