PNF seek criminal probe against Shakeel for removing members from party

The People's National Front (PNF) has submitted a complaint to the police on Thursday, seeking a criminal investigation into Elections Commission (EC)’s President Mohamed Shakeel over allegations that members are being unlawfully removed from the party’s registry.

Speaking outside the Henveiru Police Station before filing the complaint, PNF's Deputy President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed stated that the party’s investigations indicate that members are being removed from the registry through the Elections Commission in violation of established regulations.

Jameel claimed that the party has significant evidence showing that individuals are being registered with other political parties while PNF members are being removed without their consent or authorization.

He confirmed that the request for a criminal investigation against Shakeel was submitted based on these allegations.

In a statement released by PNF, the party stated that removing members without their consent through forgery and deception, in breach of legal procedures, is completely unacceptable.

Highlighting that the EC holds primary responsibility for maintaining the political party registry and ensuring fair elections and political activities, PNF stated that the commission president’s alleged negligence in allowing such actions, or involvement in them, represents a serious threat to the democratic process.

Confirming that police have officially accepted the complaint, PNF called for a comprehensive and independent investigation to be carried out without delay, and urged legal action against all individuals involved, including Shakeel.

Sun attempted to obtain a comment from Shakeel regarding the allegations; however, he did not respond to phone calls.

Notably, allegations that members of the public were being registered with the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) without their knowledge emerged in January last year. Amid the allegations, a photograph surfaced purportedly showing individuals at the Department of National Registration (DNR) using its database to fraudulently register members with PNC. The DNR also stated that certain registration forms had been misused.

Among those allegedly registered without consent was main opposition MDP’s Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad (Fittey), who later re-registered with the MDP.

Additionally, Mohamed Thoriq, a former Manadhoo MP and a founding member of the MDP, reported to police at the time that he had also been fraudulently registered as a member of the ruling PNC.

Following the escalation of the issue, the Elections Commission amended its procedures, allowing political party registrations to be processed exclusively through the online eFaas platform.