The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) of intimidating and influencing its candidates in the upcoming local council elections.

Speaking at a press conference, MDP Election Committee member Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey) said that the MDP candidates were being offered jobs as well as facing intimidation.

“We have noticed that those whom we have nominated as candidates are being intimidated and are being stopped by offering jobs," he said.

Bigey said the MDP had to change its candidates in some constituencies due to threats made to employees on State Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

But he said the party was working to get a good result in the council elections despite the intimidation tactics from the ruling party.

The Election Committee assured all the candidates that it is working to ensure that the MDP primary is held in a fair manner.

The MDP primary for the council elections is scheduled for January 16. Voting is scheduled to take place from 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm.