Maldives poll shows opposition to state funding for political parties

A Sun Online poll indicates that 88.2 percent of respondents oppose the use of the state budget to fund political parties in the Maldives. Only 11.8 percent of participants supported continued state funding.

Under current law, 0.1 percent of the annual state revenue is allocated to political parties that meet a threshold of 10,000 registered members. Last year, approximately 27.9 million Rufiyaa was distributed among five parties.

The funding mechanism has faced criticism due to allegations of fraudulent membership recruitment. Reports have surfaced regarding parties using forged signatures or deceptive practices to meet the 10,000-member requirement to secure larger state payouts. These incidents are currently under investigation by the police and the Anti-Corruption Commission.