Yameen accuses government of selective funding; says PNF remains independent

Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom says the People’s National Front (PNF) has not used, and will not use, any state funds, asserting that the party is being run entirely through the support of its members and well-wishers.

Speaking at a PNF event on Thursday night, Yameen said the party is not concerned about the size of other parties or the state funding they receive. He stressed that PNF has operated without state money since its formation and will continue to do so.

“PNF has not used a single state penny since the day it was formed. And this party will not be run with money from the state,” Yameen said.  

“This party has been run by people who wish us well, and it will continue to be run by those same people.”

Yameen criticised the government’s allocation of funds to certain media outlets and political parties, claiming that PNF and Channel 13, the station that primarily covers PNF activities, are among the few entities working to hold the state accountable.

“In the interest of the state and the people, a party that brings current issues forward and tells the truth, that is responsible journalism. PNF and Channel 13 did that,” he said.

He added that Channel 13 was not included among the first media outlets to receive state funding when allocations began, accusing the government of directing funds toward outlets that “say what the government wants to hear.”

Yameen reiterated that PNF is committed to accountability despite not receiving state funding.

In December last year, the Elections Commission announced that four political parties had qualified for state funding after surpassing 10,000 members: the PNC, MDP, JP and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA). According to the EC’s register, PNC had 3,137 members as of June last year.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu came to power with Yameen’s support, but Yameen later left the government and established the PNF. The party was officially registered on 5 April 2024.