Elections Commission (EC), on Thursday, announced the commission's decision to request Ministry of Finance to issue party funds to three political parties, excluding opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
Despite nine parties being registered at the commission, funds are distributed from the state budget to parties with over 10,000 members only. A total of MVR 26.6 million is allocated from the 2019 state budget for four parties, including PPM.
The funds are distributed according to the number of members registered at a party. According to this policy, the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is set to receive the highest amount with their current member count believed to be over 50,000.
The two other parties being issued funds are Jumhooree Party (JP) and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA).
EC has not disclosed the exact amount to be received by each party as of yet.
Spokesperson for EC Ahmed Akram stated that PPM funds were being delayed as the party is currently tasked with completing and submitting their annual report. Therefore, he said that the funds will be issued upon report submission.
Elections Commission had withheld PPM's 2018 funds for various reasons as well. The party finally received the funds this month.
Funds allocated for political parties must be issued within the first three months of the year. Although, according to EC, the delay this year was caused by having to assess many forms submitted by parties regarding the parliamentary elections.
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