Transparency Maldives has expressed concern after the Local Government Authority (LGA) ordered to revoke a statement by Noonu Kendhikulhudhoo council over the abuse of state resources for campaign purposes.
The Kendhikulhudhoo council said in a statement that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu misused state resources after visiting the island in the guise of an official trip.
After the council issued the statement, the LGA sent a letter and ordered its retraction, the Kendhikulhudhoo council told Adhadhu on Sunday morning.
The council does not have the authority to release such statements in relation to the President's visit, the LGA letter stated, ordering the council to retract the statement.
"The actions of LGA go against the spirit of the Decentralisation Act and key principles of decentralized governance," Transparency Maldives said on Sunday evening.
In addition to condemning the LGA's action, Transparency Maldives said the NGO "observed clear abuse of state resources" during the President's recent trips to the atolls.
Some issues flagged by Transparency Maldives were the announcement of new development projects, active campaigning for government candidates and pledges to increase pay for civil service staff through the Parliament.
"Instead of intimidating public institutions vigilant of corruption, state institutions must uphold the principles of accountability, transparency and impartiality and facilitate creating an environment for a free and fair election," the statement read.
The role of agencies such as the LGA is to empower and support and empower councils and promote good governance practices, Transparency Maldives highlighted.
Meanwhile, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said that the Parliament committee will look into the LGA's actions. Transparency Maldives welcomed the move and called on the committee to hold the LGA accountable.
Transparency Maldives also called on the relevant government agencies to investigate the misuse of state property and take appropriate action and said that any attempt to influence the election should be thoroughly investigated.
Some other councils have also expressed concern over President Muizzu seeking support for candidates of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) during his recent official visits to islands across the country.
With the parliamentary elections due to take place on April 21, the President was accused of campaigning when he started touring the atolls in a series of official trips last month.
But President's Office Communications Minister Ibrahim Khaleel told Adhadhu at the time that the trips were not intended for campaigning.
