Transparency Maldives Condemns Voter Influence Attempts in 2023 Presidential Election

MV+ News Desk | August 21, 2023
Photo: Elections Commision of the Maldives

Transparency Maldives has expressed their concerns over the abuse of State resources and attempts to influence voters’ right to choose a candidate in the 2023 Presidential Election. 

The organisation states that a fair and transparent election process is essential for the democratic process to thrive.

The 2023 Presidential Election Pre-election Assessment, published by Transparency Maldives, sheds light on the misuse of State resources and the potential risk of coordinated influence on voters through State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). 

The report raises alarms about the possibility of an uneven playing field that could favour the incumbent due to such practices. 

Transparency Maldives has consistently highlighted similar concerns in its previous assessments and election observation efforts.

One of the primary concerns brought to attention is the use of ceremonies marking the inauguration and completion of government-funded projects as campaign tools for incumbent parties. 

Since the official campaign period for the 2023 Presidential Election began on 10 August 2023, there have been multiple instances of project announcements and inaugurations during campaign visits.

The press statement cites official media reports and government agency social media accounts, which indicate that 32 projects in 16 islands were inaugurated or completed within the first 10 days of the campaign period (up to 19 August 2023). 

A significant number of these projects had already been completed between 2021 and 2022. 

Furthermore, the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure awarded 14 new projects worth over MVR 1 billion to two SOEs in the first eleven days (10 – 20 August 2023) of the campaign period. 

This contrasts with the data from the same period the previous year, when only 5 projects worth approximately MVR 261 million were awarded by the Ministry.

The timing of these events alongside the official campaign period raises concerns about a level playing field for all presidential candidates. 

Transparency Maldives asserts that carrying out official responsibilities during campaign trips constitutes an abuse of office and power, potentially blurring the distinction between official duties and campaign activities.

The organisation also expressed worries about the modification of infrastructure projects and socio-economic policies close to the election period. The lack of a transparent long-term plan or development strategy for such changes raises questions about the motives behind these alterations.

Transparency Maldives insists that policy decisions should be based on the needs of the population, established through inclusive consultations, and should consider socio-economic and environmental impacts. 

The organisation calls for policy decisions to be free from short-term political motivations and to align with equitable and sustainable development principles.

Transparency Maldives makes a call to action for various stakeholders:

– The incumbent administration and elected officials are urged to refrain from misusing state resources and positions of power for electoral advantage.

– The Anti-Corruption Commission is called upon to actively enforce its guidelines related to the misuse of state resources and;

– Relevant authorities, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Parliament, are urged to collaborate in strengthening the legal framework. This should include addressing gaps in holding public officials accountable for the misuse of state resources, specifying timelines for project announcements, inaugurations, and completions during electoral periods.

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