Transparency Maldives (TM) has called on the authorities to address wider issues including vote buying observed during yesterday's election of MPs to the 20th People's Majlis.
In a thread on social media X after sharing a statement on the observation of the election's administrative matters, Transparency called on all actors to address the problem of vote buying and the lack of political and campaign finance transparency. The NGO also urged the authorities to address the abuse of state resources and barriers for women’s equal participation in politics.
"TM continued to observe the abuse of state resources through the campaign period, including the inauguration or completion of projects," Transparency said.
The election was generally well-administrated, the NGO said in the statement released last night. However, Transparency said it observed several attempts to unduly influence voting in recent days.
Transparency's statement noted large projects announced by state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and state institutions in the 48 hours before polls opened.
"Ceremonies held to mark the awarding or inauguration of at least six development projects, worth over MVR 680 million, posted on the official social media accounts of State-Owned Enterprises and Government Ministries with 48 hours to go for Election Day," the statement noted.
The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) won a supermajority in Sunday's elections. The party is expected to win 70 or more seats out of the 93 seats in total.
