Transparency condemns abuse of state resources for pres election

Transparency Maldives on Monday condemned the continued abuse of state resources and attempts to influence voters’ right to choose a candidate free from undue influence in the upcoming presidential election. 

In a statement, Transparency Maldives said a free and fair election depends not only on the proceedings of the voting day, but also on the larger electoral environment and on ensuring an electoral level playing field for all candidates.

The 2023 Presidential Election Pre-election Assessment published by Transparency Maldives identified the misuse of State resources and the risk of systemic and coordinated influence on voters through State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as a major concern that has the potential to skew the level playing field in favour of the incumbent.

The assessment also highlighted the electoral risks associated with ceremonies to mark the inauguration and completion of government funded projects, and their use as a campaign tool for the incumbent parties.

"These are concerns that have been observed and reiterated in all previous assessments and election observation efforts by Transparency Maldives," the statement read.

"Since the start of the official campaigning period for the September 9 presidential election on August 10, it is concerning that multiple projects are being announced and inaugurated back-to-back, especially during campaign visits."

Official media reports and official social media accounts of government agencies report that:

Transparency Maldives said coinciding inauguration ceremonies with the official election campaigning period raises grave concerns regarding the level playing field for presidential candidates.

Carrying out official responsibilities while on campaign trips is an abuse of office and related powers, which blurs the line between the official responsibilities of the incumbent and the candidate's campaign, the organisation added.

"Additionally, it is highly concerning that the scope and scale of infrastructure projects and socio-economic policies are being modified close to the election period, without a clear and transparent long-term plan or development strategy. While it is the responsibility of the government to provide essential services such as housing, health, and education, these development projects and policy decisions should not be made or perceived to be made for short-term political gains. Instead, policy decisions should be based on the needs of the population identified through an inclusive consultation process, considering socio-economic and environmental impacts, with a clear timeframe for completion," the statement read.

"The lack of transparency and the justifications for changes in critical policy decisions raises further concerns especially in ensuring equitable and sustainable development, in addition to how much undue influence this has on voters’ right to freely choose a candidate."

To ensure a level electoral playing field, Transparency Maldives called on: