PNF: Party fined over unrelated matter
PNF has condemned the Elections Commission’s decision to fine the party MVR 100,000 for allegedly holding illegal protests, labeling the move as a politically motivated act influenced by the government. In a formal response to the commission, PNF Secretary General Maleeh dismissed the fine as baseless, asserting that the party’s activities have been limited to town hall meetings rather than unlawful demonstrations. Conversely, the Elections Commission maintained that the penalty was imposed after the party repeatedly violated laws and regulations, noting that the PNF had ignored prior warnings and declined invitations for dialogue to resolve the matter.
Following a meeting between the Elections Commission and the People's National Front (PNF), the party's Secretary General, Mohamed Maleeh Jamaal, briefs the press on January 20, 2026. | Raajje MV
The Secretary General of the People's National Front (PNF), Mohamed Maleeh Jamaal, has stated that the fine imposed on the party by the Elections Commission was for a matter entirely unrelated to the organization.
Maleeh made these remarks following a decision to fine the PNF 100,000 Rufiyaa, over allegations that the party has been conducting illegal nightly protests in Male'.
In a letter addressed to the Elections Commission, PNF Secretary General Maleeh Jamaal stated that it is inconsistent and illogical for the commission to fine the party based on imaginary assumptions regarding a matter unrelated to them, while failing to take into account the party's previous correspondence dated May 5, 2024.
Furthermore, the party views the Elections Commission's actions as a substandard move influenced by the government, violating the professional standards expected of an independent institution.
Maleeh stated that the party’s official political activity, the Town Hall meeting, was conducted on the night of May 10, 2026, and noted that the Elections Commission had been informed of this. He requested the Commission to clarify the specific offense committed by the party if the fine was indeed imposed due to the Town Hall gathering. Furthermore, Maleeh’s letter reiterated that the party is not currently engaged in any political activities other than the aforementioned Town Hall sessions.
In a letter addressed to the People’s National Front (PNF), the Elections Commission (EC) highlighted that Article 45(h) of the Political Parties Act prohibits party members or supporters from obstructing meetings conducted by another political party. Furthermore, the Commission noted that Article 45(p) of the same Act stipulates that no party shall attempt to hold a meeting at the same time and location where another party is already conducting a gathering. The Commission also pointed out that under Article 45(l) of the Act, any public political meetings held in streets or public squares beyond the scope permitted by other laws must strictly adhere to the regulations established under this Act.
Furthermore, the Elections Commission (EC) stated that pursuant to Section 34(b)(1) of the Regulation on Political Parties, the commission must be notified in writing of the venue, time, and nature of any general meeting at least 24 hours prior to the event.
However, the Elections Commission (EC) stated that it has advised the People’s National Front (PNF) to conduct its activities within the bounds of the law, noting that the party and its supporters have repeatedly acted in violation of established laws and regulations during their ongoing series of political events.
The Elections Commission (EC) stated that it had formally invited the People's National Front (PNF) for a meeting via an official letter. However, the commission noted that the party has failed to respond to the correspondence and has refused to meet with them.
The Elections Commission (EC) stated in a letter to the PNF that the party has been fined MVR 100,000 under Article 49 of the Political Parties Act, citing repeated violations of Article 45 of the same legislation.
Furthermore, the Elections Commission (EC) has urged the People’s National Front (PNF) and its affiliates to refrain from engaging in unlawful acts during their political activities. The Commission also warned that if the party continues to repeatedly violate the Political Parties Act as previously noted, legal action will be taken against the individuals responsible for such infractions.
While the People’s National Front (PNF) has been fined MVR 100,000, the Elections Commission (EC) has further warned that legal action will be taken against the party on May 4, 2026. The PNF has denied the EC’s allegations, asserting that it has not conducted any illegal political activities as claimed by the commission.
