MTD: Party being dissolved unlawfully to politically silence us

Maldives Third-Way Democrats (MTD) has slammed the Elections Commission (EC)’s decision to dissolve the party as an attempt to silence them.

EC decided to dissolve MTD for failure to meet the legally mandated 3,000-member requirement under the Political Parties Act.

MTD, via a statement, described EC’s decision as an unjust act in violation of the law, which obstructs the right to freedom of democracy and participation in political activities.

The party asserted that the EC made its decision without the consent of its members, disregarded the party’s constitutional administrative rights, and failed to adhere to proper due process.

MTD appealed for support of democratic institutions, civil organizations and international partners in the matter.

“The efforts to politically silence this party will not succeed,” the party added.

According to an announcement published by EC, MTD had a total of 2,272 members as of June. The Commission said it decided to dissolve the party after giving three months’ notice to increase its membership to meet the legal requirements.

EC has previously dissolved the Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), founded by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, due to insufficient members.

With the dissolution of MTD, there are currently eight political parties on EC’s register. MTD was founded on December 27, 2018. Former vice president Ahmed Adeeb was the first to sign for the party upon receiving approval from EC.