Amendment pushed to allow embezzlers, bribe-takers to compete for councils

Progressive Party of Maldives lawmaker, MP Ali Mohamed has submitted an amendment to Local Council Election Act which will overturn the ban on anyone found guilty of a crime punishable through Islamic Sharia, treason, bribery, distribution or use of illegal substances, child abuse or rape from competing for a council seat.

MP Ali Mohamed has proposed to amend the eligibility criteria for local council elections to allow anyone sentenced to less than 12 months for a criminal offense to compete in the election.

Local Council Election Act currently imposes a lifetime ban on anyone found guilty of a crime punishable through Islamic Sharia, treason, bribery, distribution or abuse of illegal substances, child abuse or rape from completing in local council elections.

In addition to allowing anyone sentenced to less than 12 months for a criminal offense to compete in council elections, anyone convicted of any crime can compete for council seats two-years after the completion of his or her sentence.

It also removes the clause which bans full-time students from competing in council elections.

MP Ali Mohamed said the amendment was designed to promote inclusiveness.

Preliminary debate on the bill began at People’s Majlis this Tuesday morning.

The bill has created a divide between PPM lawmakers themselves, some of whom have strongly voiced their opposition to it.

This includes key PPM lawmaker, Ungoofaaru MP Jaufar Dawood who said he refused to believe the bill was approved by the government.

Some of the lawmakers also claimed the bill was submitted without discussion within PPM Parliamentary Group.