PNM election campaign to cost $150M

The Sunday Guardian is reporting that the People’s National Movement's (PNM) 2010 election campaign is expected to be the party's costliest ever with an estimated budget of more than $150 million.

The party's campaign is scheduled to be launched on Monday and there is speculation that political leader Patrick Manning will announce the election date.

The Guardian said in 2002 the party spent $5 million on the campaign for then Mayaro seat, which was won by Franklin Khan.

According to election rules each candidate in a general election is allowed $50,000 on his or her campaign.

But there is no ceiling on how much the party can invest in its campaign. Also, there is no rule to disclose party financing sources.