Parliament passes bill allowing MVR 100,000 political party fines
Further updates to the bill introduced in committee include restrictions on dissolved political parties.
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Parliament passed a bill on Tuesday introducing provisions to impose fines on political parties if any of their members commit illegal acts.
Proposed by PNC MP Abdul Latheef on behalf of the government, the bill was approved with amendments in a sitting attended by 71 members, with 61 votes in favour and 10 opposition votes against from MDP members.
Under the new amendment, political parties may now be fined up to MVR 100,000 if a member is found guilty of illegal activities.
Previously, the Election Commission could impose fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 10,000 for the improper nomination of a party member and MVR 30,000 to MVR 75,000 for other violations of the Act. The revised amendment maintains these fines and introduces an additional fine of MVR 100,000 on the party affiliated with the offender.
Further updates to the bill introduced in committee include restrictions on dissolved political parties, preventing the use of their name, emblem, coin, and colours for five years following dissolution.
Additionally, parties will not face automatic dissolution for failing to hold a national meeting at least once every five years.
