Minister of Finance and Treasury Ahmed Munawar has expressed resentment as Elections Commission of Maldives contracted M7 Print Private Limited to print the ballot papers two weeks prior to voting day.
One of the most highlighted topic on the motion submitted to Supreme Court of Maldives to annul the presidential election was the manner M7 was contracted to print ballot papers. During the hearings, lawyers representing Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) noted M7 was given the contract in defiance of the Public Finance Regulations of Maldives.
However, the Elections Commission revealed in court the contract was made with a special permission from the finance minister.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, the finance minister expressed the permission was granted to commission in cooperation to an effort directly related to the public, adding he was unaware M7 was approached in advance.
Moreover, the finance minister revealed initially the elections commission wanted to handover the contract to the highest bidder. The minister said the request was rejected, adding all procedures followed in printing of the ballot paper was conducted in uncertain conditions. He noted the ballot papers were printed with three security features, although it was agreed to include five security features.