With local council elections on the horizon, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has issued a strong caution to candidates and voters alike — emphasising that electoral bribery erodes the very foundations of democracy and undermines the collective will of the people.

In a statement released ahead of the polls, the ACC urged the public to remain vigilant against attempts by candidates to secure support through illicit inducements. The commission called upon all contenders to uphold the highest standards of integrity — refraining from offering bribes and respecting the guiding principles of democracy throughout the campaign period.

Citing past incidents in the Maldives where bribery has been used to sway voters, the ACC warned that such practices weaken public trust in the nation’s institutions. The commission underscored the far-reaching consequences of corruption — stressing that it not only damages societal cohesion, but also leaves a lasting impact on future generations.

The ACC further highlighted that the success of decentralisation — a key pillar of the Maldivian governance model — depends on allowing citizens to make free and informed choices at the ballot box. Local council elections, it noted, are designed to ensure that communities are represented by individuals who are accountable for the development and well-being of their islands and constituencies.

Reiterating its central message, the commission stressed that bribery strips citizens of their rightful authority and inflicts lasting harm on the democratic process.