Guraidhoo By-Election Candidates Fail to Submit Financial Statements, EC Imposes Fines

Photo: Elections Commission
The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has announced its decision to levy fines on the three candidates who participated in the Guraidhoo Constituency by-election due to their failure to submit financial statements.
According to the ECM, the candidates fell short of the requirement to submit their financial statements within the stipulated deadline. The regulations mandate that registered auditors must furnish the financial statements of the candidates within 21 days following the election. These statements are expected to provide a comprehensive breakdown of campaign expenses and disclose the sources of campaign funding.
In light of their non-compliance, the ECM has determined that each of the three candidates will be fined a sum of MVR 6000. Furthermore, fines will also be issued to their respective agents. The candidates and their agents are required to settle the fines by July 15.
MDP candidate Ibrahim Shaz won the Guraidhoo Constituency by-election with 50% of the votes, while PPM’s Hussain Riza received 1,226 votes and MNP’s Ali Areef received 122 votes. The by-election took place on April 15, encompassing the areas of Guraidhoo, Maafushi, and Gulhi in Kaafu Atoll.