PNC silent as election brawl leaves school property destroyed

Jul 12, 2026, 1:21 PM
A snapshot from a video showing scenes of unrest during the PNC primary — Photo: Snapshot

A snapshot from a video showing scenes of unrest during the PNC primary — Photo: Snapshot

The leadership of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) has declined to comment on the damages caused to Kamil Didi Primary School during a violent altercation that broke out during the party's internal elections yesterday.

The unrest at the Hulhumale' school erupted during the vote counting for the post of Vice President of the Hulhumale' North constituency. Footage of the incident shows two groups engaged in a heated verbal exchange that escalated into a physical brawl. The Maldives Police Service has confirmed that an investigation into the violence is currently underway.

During the confrontation, the glass panels of the school hall’s entrance were shattered, rendering the doors unusable. Eyewitnesses reported that several chairs belonging to the school were also damaged beyond repair.

Despite the destruction, PNC Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla, along with the party’s Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah, have remained silent on whether the party will take responsibility or fund the necessary repairs.

Both Abdul Raheem and Falah arrived at the school after the vote counting had been suspended due to the loss of public order and the ensuing violence. The counting for the constituency was eventually completed in their presence.

The seat for the constituency’s Vice President was won by Malsha Shareef.

As police continue their investigation into the brawl at Kamil Didi Primary School, circulating videos of the incident appear to show several government political appointees and staff from the President’s Office participating in the violence.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Maldivian student killed in fatal car crash in Malaysia

A 21-year-old Maldivian student from Addu City has died following a fatal car accident in Malaysia. Authorities have identified the victim as a young woman from Hithadhoo. Further details regarding the crash are expected to follow.

Man sentenced to 50 years for smuggling drugs

Abdulla Faseeh was sentenced to 50 years in prison for smuggling cannabis and diamorphine strapped to his thighs at Velana International Airport. He received two life sentences and a fine of MVR 200,000. The court rejected his defense that he was a victim of human trafficking due to a lack of evidence.

"Granting permanent land ownership to non-Muslims poses a threat"

Fayyaz Ismail warned that granting permanent land ownership to non-Muslims in Rasmalé threatens national sovereignty, comparing it to the historical seizure of Palestinian lands. He argued that such sales could lead to foreign interference and demands for legal changes that undermine Maldivian values over time.

Music composer Shammoon Hameed appointed to HRCM

President Mohamed Muizzu has appointed music composer Shammoon Hameed to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives. Shammoon, a former HRCM Secretary-General, received unanimous parliamentary approval for the role. He has previously held several high-level government positions, including Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Arts.

Want to ensure a worry-free life: Fayyaz

MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail stated the party's goal is to ensure citizen well-being rather than just replacing President Muizzu. At the MDP Congress, he expressed confidence in a 2028 election win and proposed structural reforms. This "Big Change" plan includes separating the roles of Head of State and Head of Government.

Rasmalé deal Is "rooted in deception" and risks diplomatic crisis

Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid warned that the secretive Rasmalé land deal with a UAE firm is "rooted in deception." He cautioned that a lack of transparency regarding the project's financing and terms risks damaging vital diplomatic ties and causing severe economic instability for the Maldives.

LGA upset over use of City Hall for MDP Congress

The LGA condemned the use of Male’ City Hall for the MDP congress, labeling the promotion of political parties on council land as unlawful. The authority warned councils against such activities, citing a breach of conduct. Meanwhile, the MDP criticized the government for denying them state venues while using public spaces for ruling party events.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox