EU observers concerned over unregulated campaign spending

The European Union (EU) mission that observed Saturday's presidential election in Maldives on Monday expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the spending of candidates.

After the presidential election, the EU mission shared its observations and concerns at a press conference held at Hotel Jen on Monday.

Speaking at the press conference, chief observer Nacho Sánchez Amor said the candidates did not properly manage their campaign expenditures. He said candidates’ financial reports are not maintained in accordance with the laws and regulations.

Sánchez Amor raised the issue, noting that the government has been accused of abusing state resources in its campaign

Nacho said the Elections Commission does not have the capacity to handle such complaints.

Every candidate is required by the General Election Act to submit campaign expenditure reports to the Elections Commission.

Another issue raised by the EU in connection with the election is the lack of women's participation in Maldives's political arena.

"This time, only male candidates contested. Therefore, I would like to urge all parties to take steps to increase women's participation in the country's political affairs," Nacho said.

Like other foreign observers, the EU praised the election process: 

He said the Elections Commission had faced challenges in organising the election but the arrangements had been made very well.

“Despite the small staff, the EC worked in a transparent manner, in accordance with the law and regulations,” Nacho said.