Abuse of State Resources During Elections Need Stronger Investigation, Says TM

Transparency Maldives has called on the police and anti-corruption commission to strengthen process of monitoring and investigating the misuse state resources during the election period.

In a press release issued to share the findings from their election observation, the NGO highlighted several instances of state resources being misused in the lead up to the parliamentary elections on Sunday.

advertisement

This includes the awarding or inauguration of at least six development projects, worth MVR 680 million, within the 48 hours prior to the election day.

TM also noted that the government had extended the jurisdiction of three administrative areas four days ahead of the election, with two more administrative areas adjusted on election day itself.

In addition, the NGO noted an announcement on the day prior to the election made by the Ministry of Housing, Land and Urban Development promising to provide housing and housing loans to those who were deprived of housing scheme under the “social housing projects” in previous government

These critical changes to policies and announcement of new projects that relate to essential services so close to the election day can influence voters to vote for a certain candidate.

To address these issues TM called on the parliament to review and incorporate into law guidelines that the Anti-Corruption Commission can follow to address misuse of state resources by incumbent governments during elections.