Recent bills “restrict fundamental rights,” NGOs warn
02 Jan 2013, 7:34 PM
A number of bills passed by parliament in 2012 could “weaken the democratic, good governance system” and “restrict some fundamental rights,” local NGOs Transparency Maldives (TM) and Maldivian Democracy Network (MDN) have warned.
In a joint statement issued today, the civil society organisations expressed concern at the potential narrowing of constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and expression as well the formation of political parties.
The statement also expressed concern with the “loss of transparency” due to the decision to conduct no-confidence motions through secret ballot.
With legislative and oversight powers over the executive and independent institutions, the NGOs noted that the People’s Majlis had “the most prominent role” in establishing democratic, good governance and protecting human rights.
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