TM calls for enhanced probes over misuse of state resources during elections

Transparency has called for enhanced investigations over the misuse of state resources during elections.

TM said this in a press statement issued on the closing of polls for Sunday’s parliamentary election.

Shedding light on the abuse of state resources as one of their key findings, TM stressed that the abuse of state resources and authority by successive regimes allow those in power to campaign at the expense of the state coffers.

TM stated that they observed the abuse of state resources throughout the campaign period, including the inauguration or completion of projects.

These included ceremonies held to mark the awarding or inauguration of at least six development projects, worth over MVR 680 million, posted on the official social media accounts of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and government ministries with 48 hours to go for the day of the polls.

Further, they highlighted that amendments were made to at least three administrative areas of islands, transferring the jurisdiction of different lagoons and uninhabited islands made in four days ahead of the election and added that similar amendments were brought on election day to two administrative areas by presidential decree.

TM added that the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development released a press statement announcing that the current government will be providing housing and supporting the securing of housing loans to those who were “deprived of” securing housing under the previous government’s social housing projects, with less than 20 hours to go for the opening of polls. This was promised particularly to those that did not secure housing under the TATA housing flats in 2010.

Transparency stated that introducing critical changes to key policies and announcements of new development project often related to essential services and basic rights fulfilment, during the campaign period and especially in the run up to the election day, can hinder the right of voters to choose a candidate without influence.

With this, TM has urged relevant authorities including the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to strengthen monitoring, investigation, and submission for prosecution, of incidences of vote buying and misuse of state resources.

Further, TM urged the People’s Majlis to review and incorporate provisions in the ACC guidelines on the use of state resources by the incumbent government during the election period, into law.