Gov’t Proposes Bill to Fine Political Parties Upto MVR 100K for Illegal Acts

The government has introduced a bill proposing amendments to existing legislation, aimed at imposing fines on political parties and their members for illegal acts. 

The first reading of the bill is set for discussion in today’s parliamentary session. Presented by PNC MP Abdul Latheef Mohammed on behalf of the government, the bill is now available on the parliament’s website. The key feature of this proposed amendment is the introduction of a fine of up to MVR 100,000 for political parties in cases where their members commit illegal acts.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Under the current law, the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM) can impose two categories of fines: between MVR 5,000 and MVR 10,000 for the illegal nomination of individuals for party membership, and between MVR 30,000 and MVR 75,000 for violations of other provisions of the Act. The new amendment would allow for fines ranging from MVR 30,000 to MVR 75,000, in addition to the potential MVR 100,000 fine for the party itself.

This bill represents an increase in financial penalties for political parties regarding illegal activities by their members, supplementing the existing fines of MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000 for specific legal violations.

Furthermore, the proposed amendment seeks to repeal a provision established in 2016 during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen. This provision enabled the Elections Commission to disqualify candidates who contested in their party’s primary from running in the same election in another capacity. Article 10 of the Act currently stipulates that a registered political party member who has contested in a primary shall not run for election in any other capacity.

Since this provision came into effect, there have been no reported cases of candidacies being cancelled by the ECM, despite instances of candidates who lost party primaries running as independents.

The ECM has submitted the proposed amendments to the Attorney General’s Office for review. However, it is important to note that the bill does not propose any changes to the current compensation mechanisms for political parties.