President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has spent about MVR 100 million from state funds on campaign trips for the upcoming parliamentary elections, MP Ahmed Easa, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) spokesperson, said on Tuesday night.
Information collected from the media and various other sources showed that President Muizzu has spent at least MVR 100 million at the state's expense on the Majlis election campaign, Easa said at an MDP press conference.
The President abused his authority to spend taxpayer funds, Easa said, calling for inquiries by the Elections Commission (EC), Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Parliament.
The ruling People's National Congress (PNF) did not pay for any of President Muizzu's trips at the state's expense, Easa said, calling on the PNC to disclose payments to prove otherwise.
The issue will be taken up by committees when Parliament returns from recess, Easa noted, adding that the committees would also ensure that other institutions are conducting inquiries.
"The security forces do things for the President's security matters on the President's private trips and party trips as well. If it is a party trip, the President's party must cover the expenses for those things in accordance with rules set by institutions," Easa said.
As President Muizzu campaigning with state funds was definitely prohibited, complaints would be submitted to the relevant institutions and Majlis committees, Easa said.
The state was reimbursed for expenses incurred on campaign trips during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government, Easa said.
