Ministry of Finance has released part of the funds payable by the state to Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
While a total of USD 1.169 million must be paid by the state to PPM, the finance ministry has initially released USD 558,535. The state held back the funds over the dispute of the party's leadership.
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, adding the delay in issuing is due to the funds not being included in the state budget 2019.
Finance ministry revealed the funds were released within last week. The funds from the state are allocated depending on the membership of the party.
Parties with more than 10,000 members are eligible for funds from the state, according to Political Parties Act.