U.S. provides $2.5 million as election support

The United States has provided $2.5 million (MVR 39 million) to public institutions and civil society organizations promote civic participation in the upcoming election.

In a statement, the U.S Embassy said that an 18-month program aimed at promoting an open and democratic election would be implemented by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) with Maldivian partners Transparency Maldives and the Raajje Foundation.

The statement says, “The program aims to support the election process through resolution of disputes and voter education. This assistance will provide national and regional forums for dialogue with policy makers and civic leaders as well as dispute resolution and mediation training for community leaders. For Maldivian citizens, the program will launch a public awareness campaign to promote political reconciliation and a free and fair election. In addition, civic and voter education programs will provide training and grants for community based organizations to increase citizen participation and improve voter education across the atolls.”

The embassy said that IFES staff will arrive in Maldives mid-May to meet with local partners and the program will commence in June.