MDP alleges digital transformation bill could pave way for e-voting; PNC rejects claim
The bill forms part of a package of proposed laws aimed at establishing a framework for digital governance in the Maldives.
A parliamentary debate on the government's proposed Maldives 2.0 Digital Transformation Bill was dominated on Monday by disagreement between the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) over the purpose and potential implications of the legislation.
The bill, submitted on behalf of the government by Gadhdhoo MP Mohamed Ali, forms part of a package of proposed laws aimed at establishing a framework for digital governance in the Maldives.
During the debate, Hanimaadhoo MP and former MDP chairperson Abdul Ghafoor Moosa questioned the objectives of the bill and alleged that it could be used to facilitate the introduction of electronic voting in future elections.
“This bill is specifically designed to pave the way for e-voting,” Ghafoor said, arguing that the legislation could create a framework through which electronic voting systems might later be introduced.
He further claimed that the government was seeking to use regulations made under the law to implement e-voting ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Kanditheemu MP Ameen Faisal also raised concerns about provisions of the bill that would place responsibilities under the authority of Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan.
According to Ameen, the bill grants extensive powers to the minister and centralises authority within a single office.
Government lawmakers rejected the opposition's claims and maintained that the bill contains no provisions relating to electronic voting.
Barashu MP Ibrahim Shujau, Deputy Leader of the PNC parliamentary group, said the legislation focuses on five objectives:
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Developing a digital economy.
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Building a digitally connected society.
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Facilitating data sharing between state institutions.
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Supporting paperless government services.
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Establishing a legal framework for digital systems and their implementation.
Shujau said the bill is intended to modernise government services and improve administrative processes.
He also argued that greater digitalisation could reduce opportunities for corruption by limiting manual intervention in areas such as public procurement.
Funadhoo MP Mohamed Mamdhooh said the legislation would strengthen governance systems and reduce opportunities for misuse of public resources.
Meanwhile, Machangolhi Medhu MP Ibrahim Janah said many sectors of the Maldives were already operating through digital systems and argued that the proposed legislation would provide the legal foundation required for further development.
He accused the opposition of misrepresenting the purpose of the bill and said there was no reference to electronic voting in the proposed law.
The Maldives 2.0 Digital Transformation Bill is one of several measures submitted by the government as part of its digital governance agenda and remains under parliamentary consideration.
