President ratifies fourth amendment to the Political Parties Act

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the fourth amendment to the Political Parties Act (Act No. 4/2013). The amendment was approved by Parliament during the 49th sitting of the 20th Majlis on 13 November 2024. The new amendment introduces a restriction preventing the use of the logo, colours, insignia, or other similar markers of a dissolved political party by any other political party for a period of five years from the date of dissolution. It also provides further clarification regarding the statutes governing the registration of political parties in the Maldives. Additionally, the amendment revises Section 35 of the Act, mandating that budgetary allocations for political parties be explicitly included in the national budget and disbursed within the year. The allocation must be set at a figure between 0.1% and 0.2% of the annual national budget. The amendment also addresses penalties for electoral law violations. Political parties found guilty of breaching electoral laws—excluding cases involving falsified forms—will face a fine of USD 6,485. Individuals responsible for such breaches will be penalised with fines ranging from USD 1,945 to USD 4,863. The amendment has come into effect following its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette. The Political Parties Act governs the formation, registration, and operation of political parties in the Maldives. It also regulates member recruitment, conduct during general elections, financial management, and procedures for party dissolution and other administrative matters.