Elections Commission (EC) has fined three candidates who participated in the Guraidhoo constituency by-election for non-compliance with financial statement submission requirements.
According to Elections Commission Vice President Ismail Habeeb, the candidates who failed to submit their financial statements for the Guraidhoo constituency by-election, along with their election agents, will be fined MVR 6,000 for the violation.
Hussain Riza represented the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Ibrahim Shaaz represented the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), and Ali Arif represented the Maldives National Party (MNP) in the election.
The Vice President of EC has notified all three candidates to settle the imposed fine before July 15.
According to the EC's regulations, all candidates participating in an election must submit their financial statements within 21 days from the date of the election. These financial statements should be audited by a registered auditor and provide details about the campaign funds, including their sources and how they were utilized during the campaign.
Habeeb further said that if candidates' financial statements do not meet the requirements in accordance with the regulations, similar measures will be taken against candidates in future elections as well.
Guraidhoo constituency's by-election was held after its previous MP of three years, Ibrahim Riza passed away. The election was won by MDP's candidate Ibrahim Shaaz.