Through the e-Faas portal, citizens can access the necessary form via the Elections Commission’s ‘My Portal,’ where applicants can submit their requests electronically.
Elections.gov
As the Maldives continues its transition into the digital era, yet another government institution is embracing modernization. The Elections Commission (EC) of the Maldives, responsible for overseeing elections and public referendums, has announced a significant shift towards digitalization in the political party enrollment process.
Since the adoption of a multi-party democratic system in 2008, Maldivian citizens have elected a new president every five years through a public vote. However, party registration and related processes have traditionally relied on paper-based submissions. This has led to various concerns, including instances where individuals found themselves registered in political parties without their consent due to the ease of forging paperwork. In an effort to enhance security and transparency, the EC has now mandated that political party enrollment be conducted exclusively through e-Faas, the Maldives’ national digital identification system.
According to the EC, the digital enrollment process requires individuals to sign up using the e-Faas portal. Through the e-Faas portal, citizens can access the necessary form via the Elections Commission’s ‘My Portal,’ where applicants can submit their requests electronically. Once a request is approved, the selected political party is notified of the application. Additionally, the EC has introduced new security measures, including the verification of any complaints before processing an application. To ensure long-term accountability, political parties are also required to maintain online records of membership forms for a minimum of ten years.
This transition to a digital system marks a significant improvement in the integrity and efficiency of the political party enrollment process. By eliminating paperwork, EC reduces the risk of fraudulent registrations and unauthorized party memberships. Digital enrollment also streamlines the process for citizens, making it more accessible and user-friendly. Furthermore, the enhanced verification mechanisms contribute to a more transparent and accountable system, reinforcing the fundamental democratic right of individuals to freely choose their political affiliations.
