EC to release remaining funds to PPM

Elections Commission (EC) has made the decision to release remaining funds to Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

EC had kept the funds to PPM on hold pending the outcome of the appeal filed by the commission regarding PPM’s extraordinary congress on September 28, 2018.

Supreme Court issued its judgment in the case this Wednesday. The court ruled in favor of PPM and said the commission had no substantial legal ground to back its decision not to endorse the congress.

Spokesperson and member of EC, Ahmed Akram reports the funds had only been on hold until the Supreme Court made its decision, and said the EC will request Ministry of Finance to release the funds to PPM on Thursday, now that the court has issued its decision.

“EC will always respect the decisions of the courts. EC will request Finance for release of funds to PPM tomorrow,” said Akram.

Political parties are allocated funds by the State each year based on membership. PPM is due to receive MVR 11,538,660.13; out of which MVR 8,683,477.44 is currently on hold.