Black oil has been thrown at the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) campaign hall in Male' after photographs of people allegedly involved in the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) membership fraud were displayed.
Photographs of MP Mohamed Ismail, several senior government officials and PNC activists were printed on paper and posted at the iron gate of the MDP campaign hall on Chaandhanee Magu in Male.
The photos were posted yesterday and went viral on social media. Late last night, black oil was thrown on the images and the gate.
It is unclear who was behind the attack.
Police arrived at the scene yesterday, but have not yet commented.
Throwing black oil has been a part of the Maldives' political culture for a long time. Sometimes politicians are also attacked with black oil.
Activities were conducted throughout the country after the ruling PNC set a target to reach 100,000 members. Ministers and MPs were asked to recruit a certain number of members for the party. The membership drive was led by government officials and MPs.
The PNC yesterday admitted that forms with forged signatures, fake fingerprints and stolen personal data and photos had been submitted to the Elections Commission (EC) amid growing complaints of membership fraud. Some such cases have been reported to the police and the EC is also investigating the matter.
Maafannu Central MP Asma Rasheed earlier said that the fake forms were filled in the PNC campaign hall and that she knows who was behind it.
The issue intensified this week after it was revealed that MP Hussain Ziyad (Fitte) from the MDP was also registered as a member of PNC.
Meanwhile, Galolhu South MP Mikaeel Naseem has requested to summon and question Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan.
