MDP alleges fake memberships to ruling PNC
MDP leaders allege the practice was undertaken due to a lack of popular support for the PNC.
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Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Monday accused the ruling Progressive National Congress (PNC) of falsifying membership forms to inflate its registry.
MDP leaders allege the practice was undertaken due to a lack of popular support for the PNC.
Several senior MDP leaders met with the Elections Commission (EC) on Monday to raise concerns about the alleged irregularities. Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, MDP spokesperson Anas Abdul Sattar claimed that some MDP members, including four members of its National Assembly, were added to the PNC’s registry using falsified forms.
Anas further alleged that the issue extends beyond individual cases, with investigations underway to determine the scale of the alleged unauthorised additions.
“There are people being signed up to a political party without their consent by submitting fake forms. This is being done to meet membership targets. Fake forms are submitted to the Elections Commission to falsely show support for the PNC,” he said.
He also accused the PNC of misusing state resources, alleging that the falsified forms were completed at the Department of National Registration (DNR).
“We have requested the Elections Commission to address this issue and notify the PNC. State resources should not be used for political purposes. Parties should gain members by promoting their policies and earning genuine public support,” Anas said.
The MDP has called on the EC to:
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Investigate those responsible for submitting falsified forms.
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Take legal action against those involved in the alleged forgery.
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Review and segregate all forms submitted to prevent further incidents.
Among the alleged victims is former Manadhoo MP and MDP National Assembly member Mohamed Thoriq, who has been an MDP member since 2005. Thoriq has filed a police complaint, sharing a copy of the disputed form on social media.
“This is not my photo, the signature is almost mine, my mother’s information is incorrect, and the fingerprint belongs to someone else. The Elections Commission accepted and processed this without proper scrutiny. Is this institution controlled by the PNC?” Thoriq wrote in his post.
The PNC has not issued any statements regarding the allegations. Attempts to obtain a comment from party representatives have been unsuccessful.
