Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) has stated efforts will be exerted to make political parties responsible for the allowances given from the state budget. Each year, 0.1% of the state budget is distributed among the political parties eligible for funds, depending on the membership, within the first three months of the year.
Speaking on a programme aired on PSM News, Spokesperson and Member of ECM Ahmed Akram said USD 1.68 million is allocated from the state budget for political parties this year. He expressed while such a huge amount is given to the parties, a responsible mechanism to monitor how funds are utilised must be established.
Furthermore, Akram said even though audit reports are submitted by parties, citizens must be given the right to raise cases against corruption. Priority will be given on the aforementioned issue when amending the Political Party Act, he added. Moreover, noting ECM will make proposals to find a solution for the increased amount of void votes, Akram said discussions with the parties will focus on the issue.
ECM has extended invitation to all political parties to attend the talks, in addition to non-government organisations and a member from each media outlet.