The Civil Court has ruled that the Election Commission (EC)’s decision to dissolve the Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) led by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom is illegal.

The Election Commission dissolved the MRM on May 24 last year after it did not have enough members to meet the requirements of the Political Parties Act. The Election Commission dissolved the party after giving it two opportunities to reach its membership. According to the Political Parties Act, only parties with 3,000 members can operate as a political party.

The party has filed a case in the Civil Court regarding the issue. Judge Mohammed Esa yesterday ruled that the MRM had tried to reach 3,000 members on the notice issued by the Election Commission on February 23 last year. At that time, the number of members was 2981. However, the Election Commission did not inform the change in the number of members.

Under Article 28 of the Political Parties Act, the Election Commission is required to verify the number of members once a month and give notice to the parties.

The judgment said the party had added and subtracted members during the notice period. Some forms included undue delays in processing.

The judgment said the EC had acted against the MRM in violation of Article 43(h) and (j) of the Constitution and constitutional rights.

The Civil Court ruled that the EC's decision to dissolve the MRM was in violation of Article 43 of the Constitution.

The Court also ordered the EC to pay MVR 50,000 as compensation for court costs to the MRM within seven days.