PNC MPs call for changes to political party funding rules
Parties currently receive 0.1% of the state budget each year if they have more than 10,000 members, distributed according to their membership.
Members of Parliament (MPs) from the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) on Monday called for revisions to the existing rules on allocating state funds to political parties.
The debate took place in parliament during the discussion on proposed amendments to the Political Parties Act.
One significant change proposed in the amendment bill is the introduction of a fine structure for parties. If a party member commits an illegal act, the amendment would allow the imposition of fines up to MVR 100,000.
PNC MP Ahmed Naseer, addressing the bill, emphasised the need for political party funding to be based on the proportion of seats won in parliamentary and council elections. He argued that current rules do not fairly reflect electoral outcomes.
"When political parties are funded, the allocation should reflect the number of seats won," Naseer stated during the debate.
He also discussed the need to adjust parliamentary speaking rules to ensure adequate representation for parties.
Naseer remarked on how intellectuals in the Maldives have often refrained from engaging in political activities. He advocated for amending the law to make political work more honourable.
Manadhoo MP Hunsi Mubarak voiced support for Naseer’s points. Hosni further suggested that parties should face financial penalties for outstanding debts owed to state-owned companies or unresolved monetary cases in court.
"This will encourage responsible financial management," Hosni said.
The Elections Commission had earlier proposed changes to the Political Parties Act to include funding for smaller parties with at least 3,000 members and to link funding more closely to election results. However, these changes have not been reflected in the current bill.
The Elections Commission previously outlined that 50% of political party funding would be allocated based on election results: 30% from parliamentary election votes and 20% from local council election votes. The remaining 50% would be distributed based on membership numbers.
Under the government's proposed amendments, penalties for violations would be adjusted. The Elections Commission would retain the authority to impose fines, ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 10,000 for unauthorised nominations and between MVR 30,000 to MVR 75,000 for other violations. The amendment also introduces a potential fine of up to MVR 100,000 for parties associated with violators.s
Currently, political parties receive 0.1% of the state budget each year if they have more than 10,000 members, distributed according to their membership. The Elections Commission has engaged in multiple discussions with political parties to consider amending this payment structure.
