MRM seeks EC review of dissolution before legal action

Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), which was dissolved on Wednesday, has said that they will go to court to over the Elections Commission decision, but will ask the commission to review its decision before any legal action.

The commission on Wednesday scrapped the MRM as the 3,000-member threshold required under the Political Parties Act was not met during the two notice periods given.

The decision was criticised by the party's founder and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, party president and Gayoom's son Faris Maumoon, who announced that they did not accept the decision. Later in the evening, the party held a press conference to protest against the decision.

Speaking at the press conference, Faris said there was enough information to confirm that the EC's decision was wrong. Alleging that the decision came under the influence of a certain unidentified section of people, he said he was planning to approach the court if he had to in the matter.

"Our membership will be around 5,300, forms for which have already been submitted. However, at different stages, members are being expelled from our party for various reasons," Faris said, pointing out that it was happening without their knowledge.

"There are dozens of politicians working in the Maldives who don't want MRM to remain. Sadly, this influence enters various institutions through a very open door."

Faris described it as a "clear and politically motivated conspiracy".

"I would like to take this opportunity to tell the president of the Elections Commission [Fuad Thaufeeq] that it is our sincere request that he review what happened. There are so many things that we can't believe or are unclear about. Therefore, I request the president [of the commission] to reconsider this decision," he said.

Faris said increasing the number of members from 2,000 to 3,000 was never the party's idea. He also said that he personally does not believe in the existence of such a system.

"This is not in the interest of the country. We don't want to add members to the party by giving them gifts or promising favours at any point of time," he said.

"Today's reality is that most of the people don't even want to sign up for political parties."

Faris also wondered whether the constitution permits a law to be enforced that requires parties to meet the 3,000-member threshold. MRM is planning to approach the High Court to raise a constitutional matter as well, he said.