PNC PG Leader warns EC officials to resign if no action is taken against opposition parties!

Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), has warned that the leadership of the Elections Commission must resign if they fail to take action against street protests organized by opposition parties in Male'.

Falah made these remarks during the debate on a resolution submitted to Parliament by Holhudhoo MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed. The resolution calls for action to stop the ongoing protests in Male' by the opposition, characterizing them as unlawful activities.

During the debate, Falah questioned the role of independent institutions, specifically the Elections Commission. He stated that under the Political Parties Act, the Commission is mandated to take action if activities are conducted on the streets in a manner that undermines the independence, sovereignty, and integrity of the Maldives. Falah further warned that if the heads of these institutions lack the capability or resolve to take such action, they should voluntarily resign from their positions.

I will not direct insults, verbal abuse, or mockery toward anyone. However, Mr. Speaker, the tragedy lies elsewhere. We have established independent institutions specifically to oversee the conduct and operations of political parties. But where is the Elections Commission? Where are they? Mr. Speaker, the Elections Commission is legally mandated under the Political Parties Act to take action if these parties conduct unlawful street activities to an extent that threatens the independence, sovereignty, and integrity of the Maldives. Mr. Speaker, if they cannot take action, the heads of these institutions must resign. They must step down of their own accord. If they lack the capacity, the fortitude, or the competence to fulfill their duties, they have no business remaining in leadership positions at these institutions.

Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Furthermore, Falah directed criticism toward the police institution. He stated that the police force is an entity receiving significant state funding and emphasized that citizens must feel a sense of freedom regardless of which administration is in power. Falah noted that when a citizen reaches the point where they cannot safely take their child to school, the very essence of living in a free nation is lost.

Whether it is the police service, the Elections Commission, or any other state institution, this Parliament consistently approves the annual budgets and expenditures they submit. Millions of Rufiyaa have been allocated and spent on each of these institutions. Their primary responsibility, Mr. Speaker, is to safeguard the freedom, sovereignty, and independence of every individual, every citizen, and every island. If they are unable to fulfill these fundamental duties, I do not believe it is necessary for the heads of these institutions to remain in their positions merely for the sake of drawing a salary, Mr. Speaker.

Ibrahim Falah, the Parliamentary Group Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

Falah further stated that the Parliament approves budgets worth millions of rufiyaa annually for institutions such as the Elections Commission and the Police Service. He emphasized that while the primary responsibility of these institutions is to ensure the freedom and safety of every individual, it is unacceptable for their leadership to remain in office solely for a salary if they fail to fulfill those duties.

Falah stated that the street protests previously led by former President Abdulla Yameen are continuing in the same manner today. He further alleged that when the PNC attempted to hold a gathering at the Artificial Beach activity center, a small group of individuals was dispatched to the location to obstruct the event. Falah described these actions as "low-level" behavior, asserting that such conduct is not witnessed even in European nations or the most volatile regions of the world.