The Election Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has clarified that the Anti-Defection Act does not apply to independent parliamentarians, addressing inquiries regarding the enforcement of the Act against newly elected members who wish to join a political party.

Speaking on a programme aired on PSM news, ECM member Hassan Zakariyya disclosed that the commission has initiated legal research with the formation of a dedicated legal team. This move comes amid escalating debates surrounding the eligibility of newly elected parliamentarians to join political parties.

Zakariyya highlighted Article 3 of the Anti-Defection Act, which delineates the circumstances under which someone may be expelled or voluntarily leaves a party. Notably, these instances include events that occur either upon election as a parliamentarian or during their tenure.

Furthermore, Zakariyya referenced Article 79 of the Constitution, which stipulates that Parliament’s term spans five years from its inaugural session. Independently contested and elected members fall outside this jurisdiction, providing clarity on their status regarding party affiliation.

Meanwhile, seven out of the 11 candidates who contested the parliamentary elections independently have joined the ruling party, People’s National Congress (PNC). The party has formally notified the ECM of this change.

Source(s): PsmNews

PARIS, April 25 (Xinhua) — Europe could die of three challenges it faces in security, economy and culture, French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday in a speech on Europe at Sorbonne University in Paris.

Europe is in a situation of encirclement, pushed by many powers at its borders and sometimes within it, while some “uninhibited, regional powers” are showing their capabilities, he warned in a local live broadcast.

Macron also said that the European economic model as conceived today is no longer sustainable facing competition with the United States and China.

“In our Europe, our values, our culture are threatened,” he added, because Europe is experiencing “the cultural battle, the battle of the imaginary, of narratives, of values, which is increasingly delicate.”

This speech came seven years after his first speech on Europe at the university.

Source(s): Xinhua

Minister of Finance Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq has announced plans to initiate a specialised corporate reform programme in response to concerns about the mismanagement of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Dr. Shafeeq emphasised the need for responsible governance within SOEs, noting that many are struggling to balance their expenditures with revenues.

Additionally, Minister Shafeeq highlighted the importance of strengthening SOEs, as only a few are generating substantial revenue for the state or serving the public effectively. He underscored the necessity for significant changes in the subsidy system and emphasised the importance of prudent spending and reducing overall expenditure. As part of this initiative, he emphasised the reform of the Aasandha system to ensure sustainability.

Furthermore, Minister Shafeeq expressed determination to implement reforms promptly, contrasting previous governments’ reluctance with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s proactive stance. He affirmed the President’s commitment to reforming companies and finance without delay.

Earlier this year, President Dr. Muizzu unveiled policies aimed at transforming SOEs into profitable entities independent of state funding. The government aims to enhance corporate management and establish clear criteria for subsidies and capital allocation.

Source(s): PsmNews