The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to formally lodge a complaint at the Elections Commission (EC) over party membership fraud.

In a statement, the MDP said "serious" cases of party members being registered as members of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) have come to light.

"The party strongly condemns the removal of some ordinary members of the party and members of the National Council from the MDP registry although they did not fill forms to join the PNC," the party said.

MDP said a formal complaint will be made at the EC and called on authorities to investigate and take action against membership fraud committed using personal data stored in government ministries.

Meanwhile, MDP National Council's Manadhoo constituency President Mohamed Thoriq has separately filed a complaint at the EC.

In a post on X, Thoriq said he was removed from MDP and registered as a member of the ruling PNC without his knowledge.

"We also call on the institutions to investigate the cases of forging signatures and registering people as members of PNC," MDP said.

The party also called on the EC to further strengthen the existing rules and procedures for the admission and expulsion of people from political parties.