EC fines Adhaalath MVR 25,000 for failing to maintain required financial records

Adhaalath Party has been fined MVR 25,000 by the Elections Commission (EC) for failing to maintain financial records as required under the Political Parties Act.

In a decision publicized by the commission, the EC said the party was penalized following a review of its audited financial statements for 2024, which were submitted in October this year.

According to the commission, the party failed to keep detailed records of all expenditure in accordance with Article 41 of the Political Parties Act. The provision requires political parties to maintain comprehensive accounts and supporting documentation relating to their financial transactions and expenses.

The EC said the auditor's report submitted by Adhaalath Party could not be fully verified because documents concerning the value of some of the party's assets had not been provided. As a result, the commission determined that the party had failed to comply with legal requirements governing financial record keeping.

The MVR 25,000 fine was imposed under the powers granted to the Elections Commission to oversee political parties' compliance with the Political Parties Act and related regulations.

According to the Elections Commission's political party register, Adhaalath Party currently has 6,086 registered members.

Adhaalath Party is one of the Maldives' longest-established political parties and has historically played an influential role in coalition politics despite maintaining a smaller membership base than the nation's major political parties. 

Registered in 2005, the party has frequently acted as a kingmaker in presidential elections due to its religious conservative platform, despite having a relatively low number of registered members and currently holding no seats in the People's Majlis. 

While Adhaalath served as a key partner in the previous ruling coalition under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (2018 - 2023), it is not a coalition partner in the current government led by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.