The Elections Commission of Maldives, (EC) has allocated a budget of MVR 120 million for the upcoming Presidential Elections.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, Elections Commissioner Fuad Thaufeeq revealed that the budget was finalized after thorough discussions.

The budget has been formulated in a way that will accommodate a situation where a second round of the elections, is required.

As such, MVR 95 million was allocated for the first round of the elections, with a further MVR 25 million allocated in case a second round is required.

Fuad revealed that the number of ballot boxes to be placed will spiral, some machinery and equipment have been worn out, and due to the increasing number of Maldivians residing abroad.

The Elections Commissioner also noted that work is currently underway to prepare the Presidential Elections calendar, following the allocation of the budget.

The calendar will be publicized soon, according to Fuad.

The Presidential Elections are the biggest of its kind held in the Maldives and is slated to be held every five years, with the next one approaching fast, scheduled for 2023.

Ballot boxes will be placed in resorts, countries where Maldivians reside as well as industrial islands during the elections, with officials also expected to increase this time round.

Some political parties have already begun preparations for the 2023 Presidential Elections, with some of them already having handed out the presidential tickets and chosen their candidates.

Incumbent President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took office in November 2018 and has expressed interest in candidacy from the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

MDP is expected to hold its primary soon to select its candidate.