Parliament on Wednesday approved a bill enabling fines of up to MVR 100,000 on political parties if any of their members commit illegal acts.

Proposed by PNC MP Abdul Latheef, the bill passed with 61 out of 71 members in favour, while opposition votes against came solely from MDP members. Previously, the Election Commission could impose fines ranging from MVR 5,000 to MVR 10,000 for improper nominations and up to MVR 75,000 for other violations; the new amendment adds the MVR 100,000 fine if a party member is found guilty of illegal conduct.

Additional provisions include a five-year restriction on the reuse of names, emblems, coins, and colours of dissolved parties, and the removal of the automatic dissolution rule for parties failing to hold a national meeting every five years. These updates aim to tighten accountability within political parties while providing stability for party operations.