China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) has been awarded several development contracts in Laamu Atoll during the campaign trail of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) ahed of next week’s parliamentary elections.
CMEC, a prominent collaborator during the coalition’s previous presidential term, has extended its portfolio in the Maldives, having already executed projects such as the Hiya flats in Hulhumale’. Recently, the company has been granted additional contracts under the current administration.
The Maldivian government and CMEC have signed agreements focusing on transforming Kahdhoo airport into an international facility and constructing an integrated maritime hub in Laamu Atoll.
The specifics of the airport expansion remain undisclosed.
The maritime hub will encompass several components including offshore bunkering, a cruise terminal, a super-yacht marina, an eco-resort, a food storage facility, and a transshipment port. At the signing, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) presented the cruise terminal’s capabilities, emphasising that it will support Maldives Customs and Immigration services. MPL confirmed that the eco-resort would be situated between L. Gaadhoo and Fonadhoo, and that the super-yacht marina would meet international security standards.
MPL assured that the projects would economically benefit Laamu Atoll’s residents and represented a strategic move towards maritime and integrated development.
However, the government has faced criticism for blurring the lines between state functions and electoral campaigning. This has caused confusion among voters regarding what constitutes a campaign pledge versus a government proposal.
The events in Laamu Atoll, is no different, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visiting the islands as part of his official duties, but advocating for his parties’ candidates for the election at these state functions.
The agreement signing ceremonies was attended by the President, along with his most senior advisor, and Chairman on PNC, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, running for Fonadhoo constituency in the atoll.
Speaking at the signing ceremonies, Abdul Raheem appealed to the people of Laamu atoll to vote for the four People’s National Congress (PNC) candidates contesting in the area if they wished to see the realisation of their developmental aspirations.
The timing of these developments and the blatant campaigning for party candidates has drawn sharp criticism of the government for blurring the lines between state responsibilities and electoral campaigning.
The opposition, led by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has been vocal about these concerns, asserting that President Muizzu’s visits, funded by state resources, are de facto political rallies. Ahmed Easa, MDP’s parliamentary spokesperson, has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged misuse of state funds.
The MDP contrasts its practices during its governance period, claiming that all campaign-related travels by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih were financed by the party, adhering to ethical standards overlooked by the current administration.
The issue is expected to be a focal point in the parliamentary debates scheduled to resume after the Eid al-Fitr holidays.