The Elections Commission (EC) advised political parties today against acting in ways that involve making unverified statements in violation of the law during political party meetings and other activities.

In a statement released today, the EC stated that criticizing any party or a party member based on allegations that cannot be substantiated is an act that violates the code of conduct outlined in the Political Parties Act. The statement also noted that it has been observed that unverified claims are being made during meetings and activities held by parties.

The statement mentioned that although freedom of expression is a fundamental right granted by the Constitution, the commission requests that expressions of opinion and political activities be conducted responsibly.

The EC's advice to parties not to make unsubstantiated allegations comes at a time when senior figures from the PNF, led by former President Abdulla Yameen, and senior members of the ruling PNC have been exchanging war of words.

Yameen and senior figures of the PNF have been directing criticism and making major allegations against various political figures during the party's meetings.

When senior leaders of the PNF targeted criticism at PNC members of the People's Majlis, the party's chairperson and Speaker of the People's Majlis, Abdul Raheem, along with Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah, directed criticism at Yameen regarding certain events that took place during his administration.