Govt proposes MVR 100,000 fine for political parties
The bill does not include any changes to the method by which political parties are compensated.
Government has introduced a bill proposing amendments to the existing law, which would allow a member of a political party and the party to be fined MVR 100,000 for committing an illegal act.
The first reading of the bill is scheduled for discussion in Wednesday's parliamentary sitting.
PNC MP Abdul Latheef Mohammed presented the bill on behalf of the government, and it has been published on the parliament's website.
The primary change introduced in this bill allows the imposition of a fine of up to MVR 100,000 on political parties for illegal acts committed by their members. Currently, under existing law, the Elections Commission (EC) can levy two categories of fines:
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Fines ranging between MVR 5,000 and MVR 10,000 for illegally nominating a person for party membership.
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Fines between MVR 30,000 and MVR 75,000 for violations of any other provisions of the Act.
The new amendment would enable the imposition of fines ranging between MVR 30,000 and MVR 75,000, as well as up to MVR 100,000 for the party to which the offender belongs.
The bill introduces heavier financial penalties on political parties for illegal activities carried out by their members, adding to the current fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 50,000 for violations of certain provisions of the law.
Additionally, the proposed amendment aims to repeal a 2016 provision introduced by the government of former President Abdulla Yameen. This provision allowed the Elections Commission to cancel the candidacy of candidates contesting in an election after participating in their party’s primary.
The relevant provision, Article 10 of the Act, states:
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A registered member of a political party who has contested the primary for a party ticket in any election authorised by the constitution or law shall not contest in any other capacity in that election.
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If a member who has contested such a primary submits a candidacy to the Elections Commission in another capacity, the commission shall cancel that candidacy.
Historically, candidates who lost party primaries have contested elections independently. However, since this provision came into effect, there have been no known cases of candidacies being canceled by the Election Commission.
Meanwhile, the Elections Commission submitted the proposed amendments to the Attorney General’s Office for review. However, the bill does not include any changes to the method by which political parties are compensated.
