Anti-Corruption Commission asked to stop ruling party from using government resources

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been asked to stop ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) from using government employees and resources for their campaign activities.

Members of the opposition coalition parties met with the commission on Wednesday.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Anas Abduh Sattar, the secretary general of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said that their purpose for the meeting is to encourage authorities to give equal opportunity for all candidates running in September’s presidential election.

Anas said they have requested the commission to take action against the ruling party and that they have also noted that the state media do not give equal opportunity to all candidates.

He said that while PPM is proceeding with their campaign using government resources and employees, government-affiliated companies are also being used to hinder the opposition’s campaign.

Aminath Nadira, a member of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s reform movement, said that ACC has already taken action against the ruling party over abusing government resources by ordering PPM to not use Muliaage, the official residence of the President.

The opposition coalition has been urging state institutions to allow candidates equal opportunity to run their campaigns.