The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has submitted a resolution to parliament alleging that some political parties are engaging in activities that violate the constitution and the law, and calling for action to stop them.
The resolution was presented today by Holhudhoo MP AbduSattar Mohamed, who said unlawful political activities were causing public inconvenience and disrupting social order.
He called on MPs to consider legal action against parties found to be acting outside the law.
“I have submitted this resolution under article 189 of parliament, calling on the relevant authorities to stop illegal political activities carried out in violation of laws and regulations and to take legal action against those responsible,” MP AbduSattar said.
The move comes amid ongoing nightly protests by former president Abdulla Yameen’s People’s National Front (PNF) at the Artificial Beach area. There have also been reports of PNF supporters gathering near a PNC campaign hub in the area, causing disturbances.
Elections Commission (EC) said in a statement that it had received information indicating the PNF had repeatedly held demonstrations outside the legal framework, warning that action would be taken if such activities continued.
The resolution also calls on state institutions to expedite measures to address alleged illegal political activities.
During the debate, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem criticised the resolution, saying it was inconsistent with the PNC’s past actions.
“Just a few years ago, some [PNC members] held demonstrations on Majeedhee Magu targeting one of our closest neighbours, India, including cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
Some PNC MPs argued that stronger measures were needed, including the possibility of dissolving parties that repeatedly violate the law.
“If parties are acting against the law, action must be taken. If violations continue, we should seek court orders to dissolve them,” Maafannu West MP Mohamed Musthafa Ibrahim said.
MDP members said the protests held while the ruling party were in opposition were comparable to those taking place now, noting that the same legal framework applied.
In its statement, the EC said holding political gatherings in public spaces outside the limits set by law violates the code of conduct for political parties. It added that all parties must conduct activities in accordance with the Freedom of Assembly Act.
The commission also noted that obstructing another party’s event or attempting to hold simultaneous gatherings at the same location breaches the Political Parties Act.
