People's National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah has stated that the Elections Commission (EC) has to check whether protests from opposition political parties are conducted lawfully.

During today's debate regarding the resolution proposed to the Parliament by South Galolhu constituency MP and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) member Meekail Ahmed Naseem, who accused state media Public Service Media (PSM) of not giving equal opportunities to political parties, Falah said that he is unclear as to why protests under the banner of political parties are being conducted out on the streets. After reading out a list of reasons why protests should be held, Falah said that nothing of the sort is occurring in Maldives currently.

"No political party was put into jail by the government. No citizen was harmed. Nothing that is damaging the nation is being done," as was said by Falah.

He went on to say that the government is paying off Maldives' debt and working for the benefit of the people.

"Those who are responsible for political parties are the EC, and the EC should see whether the protests that are conducted by some political parties across Male' and other parts of Maldives, are permitted under the Political Parties Act," said Falah.

According to Falah, if the heads of the EC cannot shoulder that responsibility, they need to start thinking on the matter. He also stated that if the protests are a cause of disturbance to students and the people, it is the EC's responsibility to stop the protests.

While Falah stated this in Parliament, opposition MDP and the People's National Front (PNF) led by former President Yameen, are the parties that have been conducting protests.