Change must come through votes: PNC

Ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has said that the Maldivian people have expressed their will in free and fair elections, and political change must be brought through votes, not through street unrest.

In a statement issued yesterday, the party stressed that real political change should come through democratic institutions, constructive debate, and votes.

“Not by riots in the streets. Attempts to create unrest and undermine the people’s decision [to change the government] is an attack on democracy,” PNC said.

The party also praised Maldives Police Service for what it described as professionalism in controlling protesters during the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s rally in Male'. It said officers acted lawfully and appropriately in the circumstances.

The PNC noted that while the Constitution guarantees the freedom of peaceful political assembly, this is not a license to damage property, cause riots, or attack police officers.

The statement came as Homeland Minister Ali Ihusan also in a post on X, said that the protest was not a peaceful assembly and highlighted that a protester was seen carrying a police shield and that stones and bottles had been thrown at police.

MDP, however, denied these allegations, saying neither its members nor supporters were responsible for such acts. The party’s legal team accused police of violating prior agreements over the rally’s route, insisting MDP did not breach the agreed plan.

The protest began at Artificial Beach at 9:00 pm before participants attempted to march onto Majeedhee Magu, where they were blocked by police near Jelly restaurant. Clashes broke out, and pepper spray was used, with several people being arrested.