The Elections Commission (EC) has fined former President Abdulla Yameen’s People’s National Front (PNF) MVR 100,000 following a series of ongoing protests organized by the party.
In a letter addressed to PNF President Yameen, the Elections Commission stated that the party was fined under the Political Parties Act for repeated violations of the law.
"As your party has repeatedly violated Article 45 of Law No. 4/2013 (Political Parties Act), we have imposed a fine of MVR 100,000 under Article 49 of the same Act," the Commission said.
The EC further warned the PNF and its members to refrain from unlawful acts during their political activities. The Commission cautioned that legal action would be taken against individuals if the party continues to operate in violation of the law.
According to the Commission, the PNF and its supporters have consistently breached laws and regulations during their recent series of political activities. The EC noted that despite advising the party on these matters and inviting them for a meeting, the party had refused to comply.
The EC began taking action against political parties following the resignation of Commission President Mohamed Zahid on May 1. Sources have informed Adhadhu that he resigned due to increasing influence from the government.
Previously, on April 27, the Maldives Media Broadcasting and Commission (Control Commission) ordered Channel 13 to cease its live coverage of the PNF protests.
The fine follows a series of protests where PNF supporters have been seen carrying a sofa through the streets of Mae'. These protests were initiated by the PNF following the release of Adhadhu's "Aisha" documentary, in which a former employee of the President's Office alleged President Mohamed Muizzu of sexual misconduct.
