The state construction company MTCC announced jobs hours before today's elections and referendum.
Since the election was announced on December 4, 2025, thousands of jobs have been created by various state companies.
Instead of cutting spending, the government sought to win the elections by wasteful spending at an unpredictable time due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
However, the government faced a major defeat on election day. The opposition MDP won the local council elections by a large margin. MDP candidates secured mayoral seats in all five cities.
The people also said a resounding 'no' in the referendum to merge the presidential and parliamentary elections. This is a major blow for the government that advocated merging the two elections.
"[We have won] All the cities, most island, and said 'no' to the government in the referendum. Congratulations to all the candidates and voters," former President Mohamed Nasheed said in a post on X.
In addition to offering jobs to voters, the government was also taking other measures to influence the election. These include a two-year rent cut for the Hiyaa flats and a cash gift for the Male' Hiyaa and Sinamale' flats,
There were many allegations that the candidates of the ruling PNC tried to briber voters through financial incentives and other gifts.
"They are giving MVR 25,000 and MVR100,000 to vote. They are giving out the payment in bulk for up to ten people. MVR 25,000 per head," a witness told Adhadhu.
Despite all the influence, the people rejected the government's candidates and proposal. The opposition believes this is a major blow to the Muizzu administration.
"The people of the Maldives have clearly said no to President Muizzu through this vote. I thank all the people who trusted the MDP to hold the government accountable and voted against the President's dictatorial agenda," former MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail said.
Meanwhile, Muizzu said he "respectfully accepts" the results of the local council elections, Women's Development Committee (WDC) elections and the referendum.
"I assure all Maldivian citizens that, God willing, I will work in line with the people's pulse to bring the necessary improvements through the government."
