MVR 26 million has been allotted in the supplementary budget for this year, as funds to hold the by-elections for seven constituencies.

Finance Minister Ahmed Munawwar on Tuesday presented a budget of MVR 493 million as a supplementary budget for this year, pursuant clause 32 (e) of the Financial Act, to supplement this year’s budget.

The Minister said much of this budget will go towards health services provided under NSPA and Aasandha health insurance scheme.

The budget allocation of MVR 26 million will go towards holding by-elections in seven constituencies. Following the Supreme Court ruling on floor crossing, Elections Commission had nullified the seats of seven MPs. Laws mandate that a Parliamentarian must be elected within 60 days from the day the seat becomes vacant.

The Commission had declared that the following MPs had lost their Parliament seats;

• Machangolhi North Constituency MP Abdullah Sinan
• Thulusdhoo Constituency MP Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim
• Maduvvari Constituency MP Mohamed Ameeth
• Dhangethi Constituency MP Ahmed Ilham
• Dhihdhoo Constituency MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed
• Vilingili Constituency MP Saud Hussain
• Thinadhoo South Constituency MP Abdullah Ahmed

The Government is currently engaged in active campaigning in Maduvvari, Dhihdhoo and Vilingili Constituencies.