MVR 61 million set for Parliament elections as EC asked

MVR 61 million has been budgeted for next year's parliamentary elections.

The Finance Ministry has allocated MVR 61 million in next year's budget for this. MVR 1.5 million has been allocated for by-elections of women's development committees.

Speaking to Sun, Election Commission's Vice Chairperson Ismail Habeeb said the amount was requested by the Election Commission. He assured that the money would cover the expenses of the parliamentary elections.

"The amount we asked for has been included. God willing,the amount will be more than enough,” Habeeb said.

Habeeb said this is an increase compared to the last parliamentary elections. The number increased because of the costs associated with the increase in the number of polling stations, Habeeb said

The cost of finding places for additional centers and the recruitment of officials will also be there, he said.

After each session of Parliament, the number of MPs is increasing. The 17th session of Parliament had 77 members, while the 18th session had 85 members.

There are 87 members in the current 19th session of Parliament and 93 members will be there in the 20th session of Parliament.