Public outrage forces HPA to double back on quarantine-less campaign amendment

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has doubled back on the amendment they approved earlier which would have allowed campaign teams for the upcoming Local Council elections to travel without mandatory quarantine, following widespread public outrage over the decision.

HPA announced their decision to revoke the amendment in a tweet on Friday night, stating that amendment 12 proposed and approved as special provisions for the Local Council elections would no longer be in effect in light of concerns raised on behalf of the public.

Many people had taken to social media following the approval of the amendment to raise concerns on widespread transmission of Covid-19 across islands with poor access to medical facilities, caused by campaign teams travelling from Male' to atolls and coming in direct contact with supporters from different islands. While heavy criticism was aimed at HPA for the decision, many called out the irresponsibility of other government officials, framing this as an attempt to politically strong-arm the health authority to garner an advantage in the upcoming Local Council elections.

The Elections Commission (EC) has previously raised concerns about the lack of funding and equal campaign opportunities ahead of the upcoming elections at parliament as well. The commission notes that EC officials also being required to quarantine for five days was highly inconvenient for them as well.

The most recent amendments to the election guidelines as prepared by HPA were approved in the latest meeting of the People's Majlis Committee on Independent Institutions. At the meeting, EC President Shareef expressed concerns that political parties were not being given equal opportunities to campaign in the 28-day period given to do so beginning 12 March. He also noted that parties could take the issue to court and disqualify the results of the election, which has already cost the government millions in spending.

Speaking at the committee meeting, Director General of Public Health Maimoona Aboobakuru had clarified that the elections guidelines prioritized public health, and served as an operation blueprint for elections officials and members of political parties.

Under guidelines revised by the HPA, candidates are not allowed to conduct door-to-door campaigns, and will require HPA and council permits prior to traveling to islands. In addition to this, travel restrictions will be imposed on those presenting Covid-19 symptoms, with dinners and other communal meals disallowed on islands. If campaign/elections teams are staying at an island residence, that residence will be placed under monitoring, and a ban has been issued on visiting cafe's and restaurants within islands.

Receptions and welcome events are also disallowed for candidates traveling to campaign for the upcoming Local Council and Women's Development Committee Elections, slated to be held on 10 April 2021.