The Speaker of the Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed on Monday expressed concern regarding the government’s proposed amendments to the Elections (General) Act, saying that they do not solve the problem of using state assets for campaigns during elections.
The amendment, proposed by North Henveiru MP Ibrahim Muizzu on behalf of the government, describes the types of pledges candidates can make and what actions constitute as bribery.
As the debate on the amendment began today, Nasheed notified the member that the European Union (EU) Election Observation Team had met him in the morning at the parliament.
The concerns raised by the team have not been resolved through this amendment, Nasheed said.
"Especially the use of state assets for elections and the use of state media by the government have been raised as concerns," Nasheed said.
It is important to find a legislative solution to the issue, Nasheed said.
Every election, the incumbent president is accused of misusing state property and resources.
The Anti-Corruption Commission has the power to investigate and take action against such cases.