Chairman of the Elections Commission of the Maldives, Fuwad Thowfeek has stated that if the Presidential Election goes into a second round, an additional MVR 30 million will be required.

Speaking during a press conference on Sunday regarding the upcoming Presidential Election, Fuwad stated that they had requested a budget of MVR 120 million due to the election.

However, he noted that the parliament had only passed a budget of MVR 90 million which will only cover the first round of the election. He added that a request will be made for an additional MVR 30 million, which will cover a second round of election if necessary.

Fuwad also highlighted that for all previous elections, the state had provided the necessary funds and expressed his hope that it will continue to happen so this year as well.

The commission had also shared about the need for the funds with the Parliamentary Committee on Independent Institutions, the Ministry of Finance as well as the President.