The Ministry of Education has appointed 32 political staff since President Muizzu assumed office last year. This update emerged following a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by Adhadhu on May 2.
The request aimed to obtain information on political appointees from November 17, 2023, to May 1, 2024. Initially, the ministry directed Adhadhu to the President’s Office website, which did not have the updated information. When Adhadhu sought further clarification, the Information Commissioner’s Office of Maldives (ICOM) had to step in.
The ministry initially refused to provide the requested information, citing Article 31(1) of the RTI law, which allows non-disclosure if it could impede government planning. However, the ICOM ruled that the information should be made available.
The detailed breakdown of salaries for political positions at the Ministry of Education reveals a significant financial commitment. The monthly expenditure for these roles is substantial, leading to an annual cost of over MVR 12 million, and about MVR 61 million over a five-year period.
Despite a government pledge to limit political appointees to 700, the total number of such employees has risen to 799 across 18 ministries. Including the latest appointments at the Ministry of Education, this number has now reached 831.
