The Elections Commission (EC) has instructed the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) to implement better security measures and prevent damage to state property following unrest during its internal elections held on July 11.
The incident occurred at Kaamil Didi Preschool, where a ballot box was placed for the Hulhumale North constituency. A confrontation broke out between representative groups during the vote counting process, resulting in violence and property damage.
EC Spokesperson Hassan Zakariyya stated that the commission is not currently considering punitive action against the PNC because the party took full responsibility and agreed to compensate for the damages.
However, he noted that the EC leadership has formally advised PNC officials to prioritise safety and ensure similar incidents damaging public property do not recur in future events.
Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu previously confirmed that the PNC had agreed to cover the financial costs of damages caused to the school, which included broken glass on a door panel and damage to the school’s sound system.
The police investigation into the brawl remains ongoing, with three individuals arrested so far. During the confrontation, an elderly PNC member suffered a panic attack, and several other members sustained varying degrees of injury.
Videos circulating on social media show participants pushing officers, disobeying orders, and physically assaulting police personnel who attempted to intervene.
Allegations have surfaced regarding the individuals involved in the brawl. It is alleged that the son of Hulhumale North MP Hussain Shareef (Husseinbe), alongside staff from the President's Office and political appointees, participated in the violence. While some PNC members accused MP Shareef of organising the group that initiated the unrest, the MP has denied these claims.
