The Democrats has alleged that the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) unlawfully acquired citizens' personal data from state entities to support President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's re-election campaign.
In a statement, The Democrats alleged that the MDP had obtained names, personal details, and data of citizens within state institutions and utilizing this information to develop campaign software known as "Vote Viuga" (translated as "Vote Network"). The party asserted that this software contained the personal information of citizens sourced from the databases of the Department of National Registration, the Election Commission's party register, NSPA, Aasandha, and other similar institutions.
The Democrats claimed that the software also listed individuals' spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The party also alleged that the software displayed additional details such as citizens' workplaces, phone numbers, and political party affiliations.
"This is information that can only be found in the DNR database and has not been made public in any form before," the statement said.
Noting that the databases are maintained by the Technology Ministry, the Chief Technology Officer, and the National Center for Information Technology, The Democrats said the data was "leaked" due to the involvement and negligence of one or more of these entities.
The Democrats have called on independent institutions and investigative agencies to probe the leak of personal information to the MDP and take action against those responsible.
