Transparency condemns PSM's tweets for president's campaign
The statement said that we must do what is necessary to conduct free and fair elections and be held accountable.
By
Aishath Fareeha Abdulla
Transparency Maldives expressed concern on Sunday over state media PSM's tweets encouraging the campaign of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who is contesting the presidential primary on 28 January.
MDP's presidential primary campaign is underway with President Solih and MDP President Mohamed Nasheed in the fray. The state media's Twitter handle is using the hashtag #Ibu2023 to tweet visuals and news related to president Solih's campaign activities.
Condemning the incident, Transparency said in a statement that they condemn the tweets by PSM in a way that encourages President Solih's campaign. According to Sections 46 and 47 of the Political Parties Act, any building, property or resource of the state is prohibited to be used for the benefit of a political party.
The use of state resources for political purposes will lead to loss of integrity and undermine the voters' choice of a candidate freely without interference, the statement said.
The statement also said:
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Campaign activities to benefit a particular party at the expense of the people and the misuse of public property by previous governments are highlighted by Transparency during every election.
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Transparency advocates amending the law to address these issues and making the investigating agencies accountable
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Every elected government gives a deaf ear to these claims
This government was elected with zero tolerance to corruption policies, but since the government came to power, every election has seen misuse of state resources and infringement on people's rights, Transparency said.
Calling for an end to misuse of state resources in this year's elections, the statement said that we must do what is necessary to conduct free and fair elections and be held accountable.
The statement also called for enacting a law to prevent misuse of state resources before the elections. It also called on the enforcement agencies to ensure that those misusing state resources are held accountable.
