The Associations Act has been ratified.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the act, Law No: 03/2022 on Monday, upon which the Associations Act (Act No. 1/2003) has been repealed.

The act will come into effect six months following ratification and has been publicized in the government gazette.

The act was passed by the People’s Majlis on April 18, at its 32nd sitting of the first session of 2022.

The ratified act governs the details of exercising the right to form associations granted by Section 30 (b) of the Maldives Constitution, including incorporation, registration and regulation - general rights and obligations of such entities - and the duties of the Registrar of Associations

Further, it seeks to establish a mechanism to ensure the accountability of associations and to provide a legal framework for associations to contribute to societal development.

The Associations Act also sheds light on the terms for fundraising, financial liabilities and dissolution of registered associations.

Under the legislation, the president is mandated to appoint a Registrar of Associations within 30 days of its enactment and gives the president, the authority to appoint and dismiss a Registrar of Associations.

Further, the registrar is directed to establish the required rules and regulations pertaining to the law.

The act also grants the registrar the power to dissolve inactive associations that fail to pay annual fees and meet the six-month deadline to settle due fines.