The Election Commission (EC) has issued a timely reminder that candidates participating in the upcoming presidential election are required to open a dedicated bank account under their own name for conducting transactions associated with the electoral process.
The EC's reminder comes at a time when some of the candidates, who have expressed their intention to contest the September election, have already launched their campaigns.
In a tweet, EC's Vice President, Ismail Habeeb, said every candidate must open a separate bank account for election-related purposes. The account must be opened in a bank operating within the Maldives and should be registered in the candidate's name. Habeeb further stated that all financial matters related to the election, including any assistance received, must be deposited into the designated account.
Habeeb said EC is working with banks in the country to facilitate the candidates to open accounts.
"The EC has also consulted with the Maldives Monetary Authority. They have also said that they will make the arrangement by talking to the banks," Habeeb said.
The presidential election will be held on September 9 this year. If a second round of voting is required, the vote will be held on September 30. The nomination period for the election will open from July 23 to August 7.
