EC schedules presidential elections for September 7, but warns of funding shortfall
03 Feb 2013, 2:50 PM
Mohamed Naahee
President of the Elections Commission (EC) Fuad Thaufeeq has said the commission will be unable to hold a presidential election this year without sufficient funding.
Speaking to Minivan News, Thaufeeq said holding the nationwide elections would cost between MVR 55-60 million (US$3.57-3.89 million). However, he expressed concern that the commission’s current budget would be insufficient.
“With the current budget given to the Elections Commission, I am afraid we may not be able to hold the elections. The commission has raised concerns with the Finance Minister, the President’s Office and Parliament’s Public Finance Committee,” he said.
According to the EC president, Finance Minister Abdulla Jihad told the commission to carry out its work with the current budget allocated, claiming that the government would “somehow find a way” to provide financial support to the commission.
Become a member
Get full access to our archive and personalise your experience.
Already a member?
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation!
Join the Conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts under an alias and take part in the discussion. Independent journalism thrives on open, respectful debate — your voice matters.
