The government ministries and companies have started mass hirings despite President Mohamed Muizzu's claim that no such measures would be taken for political purposed during elections.
Muizzu continues to claim that his administration does not offer jobs and other benefits during elections. However, the number of new jobs offered by ministries and companies have risen recently.
According to posts circulating on social media, a large number of political employees have been recruited in the Youth Ministry alone this week, while five new jobs were created at the Tourism Ministry.
"Most new positions are now offered from the Airports Company,” one person said.
"These are people hired for projects."
Muizzu had earlier said that it was not a problem for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to hire people through political influence. He said SOEs only give jobs under budgeted projects.
At a recent press conference, Muizzu said the jobs were not given to influence the elections but to carry out the projects.
"I am not a person who does anything in connection with the election. Those who always talk about the election may be saying that because they have always done it," he said.
However, the opposition and the public have described this as an act of directly influencing the vote as a large number of people are being employed ahead of the April 4 local council elections and referendum.
Similar new jobs were offered from the ministries and SOEs during the 2024 parliamentary elections as well.
