LGA Orders Kendhikulhudhoo Council to Retract Statement Alleging President’s Involvement in Parlimentary Campaign
The Local Government Authority (LGA) has intervened in the aftermath of an official visit by the President to the northern provinces, specifically Kendhikulhudhoo. The LGA has instructed the Kendhikulhudhoo council to retract a press release that raised concerns regarding alleged involvement in campaign activities by President Dr Mohammed Muizzu.
The directive from the LGA comes in response to a statement issued by the island council, expressing reservations about President Muizzu’s conduct during his visit to Kendhikulhudhoo. The council accused the President of exploiting the occasion to solicit support for the government candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections, without prior consent from the council.
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According to the LGA, local councils lack the authority to issue statements concerning the President’s visits, deeming such actions inappropriate. Consequently, the council’s press release has been deemed invalid and ordered to be retracted.
The council’s statement pointed to perceived deviations in the President’s speech during the official ceremony, suggesting a shift towards political campaigning. Allegations of misuse of state resources in the name of the official visit were also raised, citing Article 19 of Law No. 11/2008, which expressly prohibits the use of government offices for election campaigning.
Expressing concern over the potential erosion of public trust in state institutions, the council underscored the gravity of any perceived misuse of state resources for political gain.
As the nation gears up for parliamentary elections slated for April 21, there has been heightened scrutiny of the President’s official engagements, with some quarters accusing them of covert campaign activities.
In response to the allegations, Presidential Communications Minister Ibrahim Halil refuted claims of a campaign tour, dismissing them as unfounded rumors.
