A leaked audio recording has exposed what appears to be a deliberate effort by President Muizzu to use state jobs as a political tool to influence the outcome of upcoming votes, deepening public concern over manipulation and abuse of power within his administration.
The audio features a conversation between Ibrahim Didi, the ruling party MP for the South Feydhoo constituency, and several locals. In the recording, Didi describes instructions allegedly given directly by President Muizzu on how government jobs should be distributed in the lead-up to the vote.
According to Didi, the president made it clear that jobs should not be given to “single individuals” but only to those with a strong support base capable of delivering votes. The message is unmistakable government positions are to be treated as political currency, awarded to individuals who can mobilize families and communities in favor of the administration.
Didi emphasizes that Muizzu wants jobs given to people with “teams” influential families who will follow instructions and vote accordingly. The objective, as outlined in the recording, is to secure electoral victories by strategically rewarding those who can sway collective support, rather than distributing jobs based on merit or public service needs.
The leaked audio suggests a coordinated and calculated attempt to use public sector employment as a means to manipulate electoral outcomes. By selectively allocating jobs to loyalists capable of influencing group votes, the government appears to be undermining the integrity of democratic processes.
The timing of the revelation is particularly significant as Addu City prepares for a referendum on October 25. The vote will determine whether separate councils will be established in Hulhudhoo, Meedhoo, and Feydhoo an issue that has already sparked division among residents.
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has criticized the referendum, arguing it was announced without adequate public awareness or consultation, and that the process is being rushed to serve the ruling party’s political agenda.
As both the referendum and local council elections approach, concerns are growing over the government’s use of state resources for political gain. The leaked audio has further reinforced the perception that jobs are being handed out not to improve governance or reduce unemployment, but to buy political loyalty and tilt the electoral playing field in favor of President Muizzu’s administration.
This incident raises serious questions about transparency, the misuse of public funds, and the politicization of government institutions. It paints a troubling picture of a government more focused on consolidating power through patronage than on serving the public fairly and impartially.
