President Mohamed Muizzu earlier announced his administration’s commitment to work in close collaboration with the public. This pledge includes a series of visits to all inhabited islands to engage with local councils and residential communities. However, these visits, which commenced before the fasting month of Ramadan, have been met with scepticism from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The MDP alleges that these visits, purportedly carried out under the guise of official duties, are actually political rallies aimed at boosting the prospects of President Muizzu’s ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Since President Muizzu assumed office in November of the previous year, the MDP has persistently accused him of exploiting state resources for personal and political gain.
Ahmed Easa, the Kendhikulhudhoo lawmaker and spokesperson for the MDP’s parliamentary campaign, has made a strong call for action. He alleged that President Muizzu had squandered MVR 100 million of state resources on these visits, branding these actions as a misuse of state resources and taxpayer funds for personal gain. He has urged the Elections Commission (EC), Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and Parliament to initiate immediate investigations into these allegations.
The PNC has financed none of President Muizzu’s campaign visits to the islands, Easa claimed, describing these actions involving using state funds for his political campaign as unlawful. Easa also challenged the government and the PNC to provide evidence to the contrary.
Easa has also indicated that these allegations against President Muizzu and the PNC will be submitted to the relevant parliamentary committees for investigation when parliament reconvenes after the Eid al-Fitr holidays. He stated, “Even when the president travels on personal or party business, the security forces safeguard the president. However, if they are party visits, the party the president represents is obligated to bear the expenses, per established policies.”
Easa also drew a stark contrast between the current and previous administrations. He pointed out that during the MDP-led administration, all campaign visits made by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih were funded by the party.