Officials currently serving in politically appointed government positions are now required to allocate a sum every month, dedicated to the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives.

RaajjeMV understands that these officials are now required to make out payments of at least MVR 1,000 (about USD 65) to the party.

The Finance Ministry’s budget for 2018 revealed that there are over 800 officials in such positions within the government. Which amounts for over MVR 800,000 a week, and a potential annual income of 9.6 million.

The Elections Commission had allocated MVR 10 million to the party, as it is required to do under the political parties act. With this amount, the party’s income nears 20 million.

Several cases involving the party using government offices, its staff, or property, for purposes outside official state use have surfaced within the past four years, especially during the local council elections.