ECM Introduces Immediate Political Party Withdrawal From January 2026
ECM announces political party members may leave their parties immediately from January 2026 | Photo: MV+
The Election Commission of Maldives (ECM) has announced that political party members will be able to withdraw from their parties with immediate effect from January 2026.
The decision marks a significant step towards streamlining party membership processes and improving administrative efficiency.
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The new withdrawal system, which will operate through the ECM’s official online portal, replaces the current 14-day processing period. The earlier procedure had been criticised for restricting members’ political mobility by delaying their ability to move between parties or contest elections.
ECM stated that members who submit a withdrawal request via the portal will continue to be removed from their party’s register within 14 days until the end of this year. From January onwards, the withdrawal will take effect immediately upon submission, enabling members to shift their political alignment without administrative delays. The reform was introduced in response to recurring complaints that the existing 14-day timeframe posed a barrier for individuals seeking to run for positions in other parties or participate in internal elections.
The commission has also shortened the processing time for applications to join political parties to three days, further supporting efforts to modernise party administration.
However, ECM noted that senior party officials, including the chairperson, president, treasurer, and registrar, will continue to undergo a more detailed withdrawal procedure due to the responsibilities associated with their roles.
