Ministry of Finance has revealed funds for Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) will be released after issuing salaries for the month of April.
In a letter sent to Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) and PPM, the finance ministry stated funds to be released to PPM from the state budget will be given after issuing the salaries of April. However, the finance ministry did not disclose when the funds will be released.
PPM have also filed a case against finance ministry over the failure to provide the party with allocated funds. ECM provided funds for all political parties in November last year, except for PPM. ECM released funds in two rounds, with political parties receiving the first instalment of funds in May last year.
The funds are allocated depending on the membership of the party. In this regard, the second largest fund was given to Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) with USD 479,000. Meanwhile, Jumhooree party and Maldivian Development Alliance (MDA) were given USD 174,802. PPM will be receiving the largest portion of funds, which is estimated to be USD 647,415.
Spokesperson and member of ECM Ahmed Akram revealed PPM was not granted allowances due to an ongoing case at Civil Court of Maldives.
Parties with more than 10,000 members are eligible for funds from the state, according to Political Parties Act.