Military drone deal is a campaign fund raising scam, opposition alleges

The opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has alleged that the government's purchase of military drones at high prices is a large scam to raise funds for the upcoming parliamentary election campaign. President Mohammed Muizzu inspected Turkish-made drones during his first visit to Turkey after taking office. The drones have been brought to the Maldives and will be used at N.Maafaru airport. MDP's parliamentary campaign spokesperson and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa made the allegations at a press conference on 12 March 2024. He claimed the purchase was not budgeted and was taken from the contingency budget, raising suspicions of fundraising for elections. Easa also noted that during the MDP government, efforts were made to acquire drone technology free of charge from a friendly country, but the current government changed course. Additionally, Easa mentioned that employees of Fenaka in four islands have not received salaries and Ramadan allowances, and accused the government of lying about salary increases for council employees.

The opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has alleged that the government's purchase of military drones at high prices is a large scam to raise funds for the upcoming parliamentary election campaign. President Mohammed Muizzu inspected Turkish-made drones during his first visit to Turkey after taking office. The drones have been brought to the Maldives and will be used at N.Maafaru airport. MDP's parliamentary campaign spokesperson and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa made the allegations at a press conference on 12 March 2024. He claimed the purchase was not budgeted and was taken from the contingency budget, raising suspicions of fundraising for elections. Easa also noted that during the MDP government, efforts were made to acquire drone technology free of charge from a friendly country, but the current government changed course. Additionally, Easa mentioned that employees of Fenaka in four islands have not received salaries and Ramadan allowances, and accused the government of lying about salary increases for council employees.

The opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has alleged that the government's purchase of military drones at high prices is a large scam to raise funds for the upcoming parliamentary election campaign. President Mohammed Muizzu inspected Turkish-made drones during his first visit to Turkey after taking office. The drones have been brought to the Maldives and will be used at N.Maafaru airport. MDP's parliamentary campaign spokesperson and Kendhikulhudhoo MP Ahmed Easa made the allegations at a press conference on 12 March 2024. He claimed the purchase was not budgeted and was taken from the contingency budget, raising suspicions of fundraising for elections. Easa also noted that during the MDP government, efforts were made to acquire drone technology free of charge from a friendly country, but the current government changed course. Additionally, Easa mentioned that employees of Fenaka in four islands have not received salaries and Ramadan allowances, and accused the government of lying about salary increases for council employees.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of military drone deal / campaign fund scam.