Sri Lanka, April 25 -- In a startling turn of events, the Progressive National Congress (PNC) has clinched a commanding super majority in the Maldives' parliamentary elections, causing ripples of astonishment throughout the Indian Ocean archipelago. With over 72 seats secured so far, PNC's triumph has been marred by widespread accusations of vote buying and undue influence wielded through monetary inducements.

As the election results settled, eyewitness reports emerged detailing the distribution of cash bundles, ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 Rufiyaa ($325 to $1,625), in exchange for votes. Concerns were raised about compromised campaigns, with opposition figures alleging systematic buying-off of key personnel, resulting in the loss of vit...