President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the fourth amendment to the Political Parties Act (Act No. 4/2013), enacting significant updates to the legal framework governing political parties in the Maldives.
The amendment, passed during the 49th sitting of the 20th Parliament on November 13, 2024, introduces new provisions on party registration, funding, and penalties for violations.
Key Changes in the Amendment
1. Prohibition on Reusing Party Markers:
The amendment stipulates that if a political party is dissolved, its logo, colors, insignia, and other identifying markers cannot be used by another party for five years from the date of dissolution.
2. Clarity on Party Registration Rules:
The updated law provides clearer guidelines for registering political parties, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
3. Budget Allocations for Political Parties:
A revision to Section 35 mandates that budgetary allocations for political parties must be explicitly included in the national budget. The allocation should range between 0.1% and 0.2% of the annual national budget and must be disbursed within the same fiscal year.
4. Penalties for Electoral Law Violations:
Political parties in breach of electoral laws—excluding instances of falsified forms—will face fines of MVR 100,000. Individuals responsible for such violations will also be fined amounts ranging from MVR 30,000 to MVR 75,000.
The Political Parties Act outlines the rules for the formation, registration, and operation of political parties in the Maldives, including regulations on member recruitment, election conduct, funding, and dissolution. The newly ratified amendment enhances the transparency and accountability of political party operations while ensuring stricter adherence to electoral laws.
The amendment becomes effective immediately following its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette.
The amendment, passed during the 49th sitting of the 20th Parliament on November 13, 2024, introduces new provisions on party registration, funding, and penalties for violations.
Key Changes in the Amendment
1. Prohibition on Reusing Party Markers:
The amendment stipulates that if a political party is dissolved, its logo, colors, insignia, and other identifying markers cannot be used by another party for five years from the date of dissolution.
2. Clarity on Party Registration Rules:
The updated law provides clearer guidelines for registering political parties, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
3. Budget Allocations for Political Parties:
A revision to Section 35 mandates that budgetary allocations for political parties must be explicitly included in the national budget. The allocation should range between 0.1% and 0.2% of the annual national budget and must be disbursed within the same fiscal year.
4. Penalties for Electoral Law Violations:
Political parties in breach of electoral laws—excluding instances of falsified forms—will face fines of MVR 100,000. Individuals responsible for such violations will also be fined amounts ranging from MVR 30,000 to MVR 75,000.
The Political Parties Act outlines the rules for the formation, registration, and operation of political parties in the Maldives, including regulations on member recruitment, election conduct, funding, and dissolution. The newly ratified amendment enhances the transparency and accountability of political party operations while ensuring stricter adherence to electoral laws.
The amendment becomes effective immediately following its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette.
