Two arrested following brawl during PNC elections

Jul 13, 2026, 10:32 AM
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

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a violent altercation that broke out during the vote counting for the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) internal elections held on Saturday.

Police confirmed that two men, aged 23 and 24, were taken into custody last night under a court order. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects.

During the unrest, the perpetrators obstructed police officers from performing their duties and caused damage to school property where the polling was taking place.

Allegations have surfaced that the son of Hulhumale' North MP Hussain Shareef was involved in the violence. It is further alleged that several staff members from the President’s Office and political appointees of President Mohamed Muizzu participated in the incident.

Amidst the chaos at Kamil Didi School, an elderly PNC member suffered a panic attack, while several other members sustained various degrees of injuries.

Footage circulating on social media shows individuals involved in the brawl physically assaulting and pushing police officers, defying orders, and obstructing law enforcement.

Some PNC members have accused MP Shareef of dispatching a group to instigate the violence. However, the lawmaker has categorically denied these allegations.

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