PNF fined by MVR 100,000 for protesting with sofa

People's National Front (PNF), the political party formed under the leadership of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, has been fined by MVR 100,000 by the Elections Commission (EC) for repeated violations of the Political Parties Act and the Freedom of Peaceful Assembly Act.

PNF has been holding protests across various locations in Malé following the release of a documentary by Adhadhu, which raised serious allegations against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The protesters have been using a sofa as a prop in their demonstrations, which have also been held in front of the headquarters of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).

In a letter addressed to Yameen on Sunday, EC said PNF has repeatedly engaged in activities outside the scope of established laws and regulations, including obstructing meetings held by other political parties and organizing gatherings intentionally timed and located to coincide with events conducted by rival parties.

The Commission detailed that the legal basis for the penalty was grounded in Article 45 and 49 of the Political Parties Act: Article 45(a) prohibits party members or supporters from engaging in activities that obstruct meetings organized by another political party, while Article 45(h) bars parties from holding events at the same location and time as gatherings already being conducted by another party.

As such, EC said it was fining the party by MVR 100,000 fine under Article 49 of the Political Parties Act after determining that the PNF had continued to act in violation. The penalty is considered among the most severe financial punishments that can be imposed on a political party for non-compliance with laws.

EC added that several attempts had been made to resolve the matter prior to the fine, including formal correspondence advising PNF to amend its conduct, as well as an invitation for party representatives to attend a meeting with the Commission, which the party did not attend.

In addition to the fine, EC has issued what it described as a final warning to the PNF, cautioning that further legal measures would be pursued if the party or its affiliates continue to engage in unlawful political activities.

Responding to the decision, the PNF stated that the disciplinary action concerned matters unrelated to the party’s official operations. The party further alleged that the Commission’s decision had been influenced by government pressure and did not reflect the standards expected of an independent institution. The PNF also maintained that, apart from its “Town Hall” meetings, it had not officially organized any other political activities.