Budgetary issues could hamper parliamentary elections, says Commission

Elections Commission has expressed concern over the budget for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

While the 2019 parliamentary elections are scheduled for April 6, the Commission is seeking an additional MVR 9.2 million.

Noting that it had previously requested the amount during a discussion with the finance ministry, EC spokesperson Ahmed Akram said that the ministry had agreed to this.

However, Akram said that the Commission has since been told that the ministry is 'yet to receive a recommendation through parliament.'

While the Elections Commission had initially requested MVR 123 million for the parliamentary elections, the parliament had passed a budget of MVR 80 million.

Noting that EC has held discussions with both the finance ministry and the parliament over the matter, Akram said that 'even the parliament has said that it will be settled.'

"However, the finance ministry has said that they have not received a recommendation from the parliament," said Akram.

He added that the matter has been brought to the attention of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, as well as Speaker Qasim Ibrahim- who is to have given the assurance that the parliament procedures will be completed.

Akram also noted that such budgetary issues could hamper April's parliamentary elections.

While the current parliament comprises of 85 seats, with the addition of two seats the 19th parliament will have 87 seats.