Presidential candidates asked to open separate accounts for election expenses

Elections Commission (EC) has asked presidential candidates to open separate bank accounts for election-related expenses.

EC’s Vice President Ismail Habeeb, in a tweet, said candidates must open a separate bank account for all election-related expenses.

He said the separate account must be opened at a bank operation in the Maldives; a totally new account under the name of the candidate.

Habeeb said all donations received for the elections must be deposited to the account apart from it being used for all election-related expenses. He detailed that EC has held discussions with Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) to make easier arrangements for candidates to open such an account. MMA states that the arrangements will be made at the earliest after discussions with the banks.

Habeeb added that there is no doubt September’s elections will be the most just election held on an international scale.

Speaking to Sun, Habeeb said all matters pertaining to the election will be carried out in the most transparent manner possible.

Presidential candidates that have been confirmed so far include President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, from main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) who is running for a second term, Jumhoory Party (JP)’s leader Qasim Ibrahim, Maldives National Party (MNP)’s leader Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim and former Home Minister Umar Naseer who is running independently.

Jailed opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s candidacy remains uncertain as his appeal remain in progress.

Parliament Speaker, former president Mohamed Nasheed said he will not contest the elections, but a candidate from his party will contest the election.