Transparency Maldives has called on the State to stop the abuse of State resources and uphold the integrity of election and ensure a free and fair electoral process.
In a statement released on Sunday, Transparency Maldives condemned the use of President Solih’s primary campaign hashtag by the Public Service Media (PSM), in a recent tweet.
In the statement, TM stated that the abuse of State resources can be a corruptive force in the electoral process, as it introduces or exacerbates power inequalities and gives unfair advantage to incumbents, which will also impedes the electoral rights of voters to choose a representative free from undue influence.
The statement also said, Article 46 and 47 of the Political Parties Act prohibits the use of government property for a particular party and the biased use of government assets, properties and resources in favour of a single political party.
TM called on the State authorities including the ACC, Attorney General and the Elections Commission to implement the electoral legal framework and hold to account abusers of State resources.
TM reiterate their calls to the Government to stop the abuse of State resources and strengthen the Electoral Legal Framework to include prohibition of abuse of State resources and ensure its effective implementation prior to the 2023 Presidential Election.
While the ruling MDP gears up for its upcoming Presidential Primary voting, to be held held on January 28, Elections Commission stated last week, date for the presidential election will be announced on January 15. However, Ismail Habeeb, the Vice President of the EC said the election will be held in early September.
