The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has issued a warning against electoral bribery ahead of the upcoming Local Council and Women’s Development Committee (WDC) elections, stating that individuals convicted of such offences face prison sentences ranging from one to four years.

The elections are scheduled for April 4 and will be held alongside a public referendum on whether presidential and parliamentary elections should be conducted on the same day.

As campaign activities intensify, the ACC said penalties for electoral bribery will depend on the severity of the offence. Offenders may face fines between MVR 72,000 and MVR 288,000, in addition to or instead of custodial sentences.

The Commission urged both candidates and the public to refrain from any actions aimed at unlawfully influencing voters.

In its latest statement, the ACC also stressed the importance of upholding democratic principles and called on all stakeholders to act with integrity throughout the electoral process. It also noted that bribery has been observed in previous elections, particularly in efforts to secure support for candidates or influence voting decisions.

The ACC further warned that exchanging votes for personal gain undermines individual integrity and can have lasting negative impacts on families and society.