ECM Fines PNF MVR 100,000 for Violating Political Parties Act

The People’s National Front (PNF) has been fined MVR 100,000 for violating the law, according to the Elections Commission of Maldives (ECM).

According to a letter sent to the party on Sunday, the ECM stated that the Political Parties Act requires political activities to be conducted within the boundaries of the Constitution, laws and regulations.

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The Commission noted that the law prohibits political parties from holding general meetings and activities in streets and public squares unless conducted in accordance with established regulations.

The ECM further stated that under Political Parties Regulations, parties must notify the Commission at least 24 hours in advance regarding the venue, time and nature of any general meeting.

According to the letter, the PNF repeatedly violated these laws and regulations during its recent political activities.

The Commission also said it had previously provided advice to the party and invited party representatives to meet with the ECM regarding the matter. However, it stated that the PNF did not respond to the letter and declined the invitation to meet.

The ECM additionally stated that the Political Parties Act prohibits party members and supporters from acting in ways that obstruct activities conducted by other political parties.

The Commission said the PNF had repeatedly violated this provision, leading to the MVR 100,000 fine.

The ECM appealed to the PNF and its supporters to refrain from unlawful conduct during political activities and warned that further legal action would be taken if similar incidents recur.

PNF Disputes Fine, Alleges Commission Disregarded Earlier Communication

In a letter sent to the ECM yesterday, the PNF said they rejected the fine imposed by the Commission and described the decision as inconsistent and unreasonable.

The party said the ECM had ignored a letter previously submitted by the PNF on 5 May 2026 and accused the Commission of acting on “imaginary notions” regarding matters unrelated to the party.

The PNF further alleged that the Commission’s action reflected government influence and claimed the ECM had acted outside the standards expected of an independent institution.

In the letter, the party stated that its official political activity on 10 May 2026 was a town hall meeting and requested the ECM to specify the offence committed if the fine had been issued in relation to that event.

The PNF also said it was not conducting any other political activities apart from the town hall meeting.