Councilor eligibility bill sent to committee

Bill proposed by Progressive Party of Maldives lawmaker, Holhudhoo MP Ali Mohamed to amend ban on anyone who has committed a criminal offense punishable by Islamic Sharia or a major crime including embezzlement, bribery drug trafficking and drug abuse, child abuse or rape from competing in local council elections, has been sent to committee for evaluation.

The bill passed through to National Security Committee for evaluation with the vote of 41 lawmakers after the preliminary debate at People’s Majlis this Tuesday.

23 lawmakers voted to reject the bill.

MP Ali Mohamed proposed amending the Local Council Election Act to allow anyone sentenced to less than 12 months for a criminal offense to compete in council elections.

The amendment also allows anyone convicted of any crime can compete for council seats two-years after the completion of his or her sentence.

The lawmaker said he wished to promote inclusiveness through the bill.

Though the law currently bans perpetrators of major crimes will set punishments in Islamic Sharia from competing in local council elections, there is no such eligibility criteria for lawmakers.