Campaigns in Malé against campaigns in the atolls
Campaigns in Malé were generally estimated at MVR 2–3 million. Regional constituencies cost more: multiple candidates gave MVR 4–5 million as the average budget needed, with estimates ranging up to MVR 15 million. Travel is a major reason for the difference – transport budgets alone ranged from MVR 300,000 to 700,000 for island races, with a chartered speedboat costing around MVR 20,000 per day.
How this compares to what Maldivians earn
Median monthly income in the Maldives was MVR 9,600 according to 2019 data. A Malé campaign budget of MVR 2–3 million is therefore around 5 to 8 years of median household income. A parliamentary seat pays MVR 82,500 per month – approximately MVR 4.95 million over a five-year term, which is less than what many candidates spend to win it.
The primary can cost as much as the election
Primary elections within the major parties cost MVR 200,000–500,000 on average, and up to MVR 4 million in high-stakes races where the party ticket is tantamount to victory. Parties do not fund primary campaigns, so this stage is financed entirely from candidates’ own resources.
What the law allows
The legal limit on campaign spending is MVR 2,000 per eligible voter in the constituency – roughly MVR 10 million per constituency – so most figures candidates reported fall within the legal ceiling. The Elections Commission has found it difficult to verify what campaigns actually spend against what they declare.
Key facts
- The average parliamentary campaign budget in the Maldives is MVR 2–5 million, based on candidate and expert interviews in the WFD Cost of Politics study.
- Campaigns in Malé average MVR 2–3 million; regional constituency campaigns average MVR 4–5 million.
- Between 75% and 90% of campaign budgets are allocated to vote-buying.
- A primary election campaign costs MVR 200,000–500,000, rising to MVR 4 million in contested safe seats, with no party funding at that stage.
Last checked . If a figure here is out of date, tell us.