Wider issues continue to cast a shadow on the electoral processes: TM

Transparency Maldives (TM) has said that “wider issues in the political and electoral environment continue to cast a shadow on the electoral processes on the Maldives”.

TM, who gave a press conference on Sunday revealing various concerns regarding the Local Council Elections, released a statement the same day, calling on the Elections Commission “to undertake serious confidence building measure to strengthen the electoral process”.

The organization had observed 19 ballot boxes in 10 atolls; Haa Dhaalu, Baa, Kaafu, Alifu Dhaalu, Vaavu, Laamu, Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani and Seenu Atoll.

Transparency noted the 19 ballot boxes it had observed "did not encounter any disturbances", adding that the voting process was not disrupted “for any reason”.

TM, in the press release, reiterated concern over the Local Council Elections having been delayed thrice, noting that “a key feature of democratic elections is for it to take place regularly according to a predetermined schedule”.

“Failure to hold elections as specified by the law, and the decisions by the Elections Commission to delay the elections will affect public confidence in the institution and in the electoral process,” reads the statement.

It also noted that following the delay, amendments were brought to the Local Councils Act, allowing people with previous criminal records to compete.

TM also noted the misuse of public resources for political campaigning, including Public Service Media (PSM) denying coverage for the opposition despite covering political campaign events of the ruling party.

Furthermore, Transparency noted that despite the issue of "high level" vote buying in the Maldives, that the issue remains "an unchecked nationwide electoral issue that affect the credibility and integrity of elections".

Noting that “unfair restrictions on freedom of assembly hindered the opposition’s ability to campaign”, TM added that “such action not only undermine the integrity of PSM but also serves to provide the ruling party with an unfair advantage”.

Transparency Maldives also called on the state institutions “to lead the efforts to create a pluralistic political environment, work inclusively and with sincerity to address these issues and to create an enabling environment, conducive to a free and fair presidential election in 2018”.