The Elections Commission of the Maldives (EC) has revealed that MVR 44 million is required to cover the second round of this year’s presidential election.

EC announced this during a press conference held on Tuesday.

Speaking at the presser, Vice President of EC Ismail Habeeb stated that the commission has compiled a budget required for the second round of polls.

With MVR 44 million estimated to be spent for the second round, the commission will head to the Ministry of Finance to request for the budget on Wednesday.

Habeeb added that transportation and the process of printing ballot papers will only commence after the required funds are arranged.

EC submitted a budget of MVR 120 million to the People’s Majlis, for the presidential election; MVR 95 million for the first round and MVR 25 million for the second round. However, the People’s Majlis had passed a budget of MVR 90 million.

A total of 574 ballot boxes were stationed for this year’s presidential election, including eight in five countries abroad including Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, the United Kingdom and Abu Dhabi.

Voters will have to cast their ballots using black or blue ink during the second round as well.

Those who wish to reregister for the second round of this year’s presidential election will be allowed to do so from September 15 – 17.

As the simple majority of votes required was not reached by any candidate, front runners President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Dr. Mohammed Muizzu are headed for a run-off election.