Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has revealed plans to begin negotiations regarding the amendments that need to be brought to the Political Parties Act and the Elections General Act. Political parties and relevant organisations are expected to take part in these negotiations.
Negotiations regarding the amendments that need to be brought to the Political Parties Act and the Elections General Act will begin within the next two weeks, according to spokesperson and member of ECM Ahmed Akram. He noted even if it is via legislative reform, 30% of leadership positions in political parties need to be reserved for women and thus, that would be proposed at the negotiations.
Advocacy and Communications Manager at Transparency Maldives Aiman Rasheed supported the sentiment. He stressed on the importance of diverse opinion and experience for a rich governing system.
An amendment has been proposed to the Decentralisation Act, setting a 33% reservation on each local council for councilwomen.