PNF threatens legal action against EC over damage to party’s reputation

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s People’s National Front (PNF) issued a heated response on Tuesday, after the Elections Commission (EC) accused the party of engaging in unlawful acts during nightly protests in Male’.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PNF accused EC of damaging its reputation, and warned that it may take legal action against the commission if it repeats such acts.

The warning comes in response to a statement issued by the EC on Monday.

The PNF condemned the commission’s statement, characterizing it as an irresponsible statement that flouts democratic principles.

The party said that it hasn’t engaged in any such acts alleged by the commission.

The PNF said it does not believe a political party needs to seek permission from the EC in order to hold protests, and does not believe the commission holds any authority over any public space in Male’.

The PNF challenged EC’s warning, and stated that the party will rise up in defense of its legal rights.

The EC, in its statement on Monday, said that PNF’s nightly protests in the streets of Male’, was causing a public nuisance. The commission accused the party of holding protests in violation of Article 45 of the Political Parties Act, and using loudspeakers to disrupt the activities of other political parties.

EC said that it has been informed that PNF protestors of disrupting activities at the main center of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), located near the Henveiru Artificial Beach.

The PNF had launched the nightly protests after the PNC’s loss in the April 4 elections.

The EC said that the PNF refused to meet the commission when told to stop its actions and called for a meeting to discuss the issue. The commission warned it will take action against the party under the Political Parties Act if it repeats the violations.