Parliament has rejected the bill on amendment to the Political Parties Act, which mandates the State budget to provide funding to political parties with at least 7,000 members.
The amendment bill tabled by Makunudhoo MP Anara Naeem, was rejected with 42 votes against the bill.
While 23 members voted in favor of the Bill, there were 10 abstentions.
The first reading of the bill was held on 9th November.
While speaking at the plenary debate on the bill, Kaashidhoo MP Faisal Naseem said that while political parties should be given the chance to endure tenably, it is not a good idea to provide State funds to inactive parties. He added that it is not right for any political party to disappear from the system.
However, Faisal said that the number of votes gained in elections and the number of seats represented in the parliament by the party should be considered before providing funds to parties.
While debating on the amendment bill, Maldives Democratic Alliance MP for Kudahuvadhoo constituency, Ahmed Amir said that the foundation of the party system in Maldives was laid wrong, and that all issues faced currently are based on this. He added by saying that Maldives does not have an outright law based on political parties, and that the citizens are still not fully aware about a party system.
He urged to hold a referendum to determine whether a party system is necessary for the country or not.
Almost all members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) expressed their support for the amendment bill.
The only AP member in Parliament, Anara's amendment bill proposed to overturn the amendment made to the Political Parties Act so that funds will be issued by the State to parties with 7,000 members and above, instead of parties with 10,000 members and above.
While Anara's bill has been rejected by the parliament, Adhaalath party previously boasted 10,000 members. However figures have now dwindled down to 9,000.
The earlier amendment which declared that the state would fund political parties only with 10,000 or more members was endorsed by parliament on August 17. The amendment bill was ratified on August 19.
The Elections Commission has declared that the said amendment would be in effect starting from 2016.