In a decisive move, the Elections Commission (EC) has officially dissolved the Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), a political party led by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. The dissolution, confirmed during a recent commission meeting, stems from the party’s inability to meet the legally mandated membership threshold of 3,000 members.
Initially registered on November 20, 2019, the MRM was established by Gayoom following internal disputes within the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), which he also founded. At the time of its dissolution, the MRM’s membership stood at 1,867, falling significantly short of the required number.
This marks the third instance of a political party led by Gayoom being dissolved due to insufficient membership. Previously, the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), founded by him, faced a similar fate. Subsequently, Gayoom led the formation of the PPM, and later, the MRM emerged amid tensions between him and President Abdulla Yameen.
In 2023, the EC had previously moved to dissolve the MRM for not meeting membership requirements. The party contested this decision in the Civil Court, which ruled in their favor, declaring the EC’s action illegal. Following the court’s decision, the EC granted the MRM a three-month period to bolster its membership to the required 3,000. However, the party was unable to achieve this target within the stipulated timeframe.
On August 25, 2024, the EC announced the initiation of the dissolution process for the MRM due to its continued failure to meet membership criteria. The commission instructed the party to halt all political activities and to settle any outstanding debts. During this period, the MRM did not engage in any communication with the EC.
The dissolution of the MRM underscores the challenges faced by political parties in the Maldives in maintaining active membership and adhering to regulatory requirements. As the political landscape evolves, the emphasis on compliance with established norms remains paramount for the sustenance of political entities in the nation.
