Transparency Maldives condemns abuse of state resources for PNC campaign

Transparency Maldives, accusing main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) of abusing state resources to campaign for the upcoming parliamentary election, has condemned the act.

In a statement on Thursday, Transparency Maldives described the routine promises and pledges in conjunction with an election as customary at present, and as something which influences the voters’ right to freely choose a candidate.

They further underscored observing continued abuse state resources which undermines the democratic competitive nature of elections and skews the level playing field in favor of the government.

Henceforth, Transparency Maldives called on the government to halt the continued abuse of State resources and bring necessary legislative changes to make public officials more accountable and ensure a level playing field.

The organization also expressed concern over the back-to-back announcement of mega developmental projects since the commencement of the official campaign period and a stark increase in the number of political appointees and the use of state-owned enterprises to garner political support.

To ensure a level electoral playing field, Transparency Maldives called on:

• The government, including elected public officials, to stop the abuse of state resources and positions of power for electoral gain
• Anti-Corruption Commission to proactively enforce its guidelines on the abuse of state resources
• Relevant authorities including Anti-Corruption Commission, the Attorney General’s Office and the Parliament to work together to strengthen the legal framework to address loopholes in holding the public officials to account for the abuse of state resources, including stipulating a timeframe for announcement of new projects, and ceremonies for the completion and inauguration of projects during an electoral period

Main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has also called upon the government to stop abusing state resources to campaign for the parliamentary election.