The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has disbursed funds to six political parties eligible to receive state funds under the Political Parties Act.
Speaking to PSM News, Member of ECM Hassan Zakariyya said that these six parties met the membership requirements stipulated by law when the state budget was approved last year. As such, he said that the funds have now been distributed to all eligible parties
The parties eligible for funding are the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), Jumhooree Party, Adhaalath Party, Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), and the People's National Congress (PNC).
ECM detailed the distribution process, noting that the funds were first allocated to PPM, JP, AP, and MDA, and transferred to the Ministry of Finance on April 9 of the previous year. On the same day, funds were also sent to MDP. The funds for PNC were delayed but have since been distributed by the ministry.
ECM said that USD3 million has been allocated to these parties in this year's budget. Currently, there are 10 political parties registered in the official register of the Maldives.