Forged PNC forms allegations unfounded, MP Falah says
Elections Commission has temporarily suspended membership registration for all political parties while the issue is under investigation.
Allegations of irregularities in membership registration for the Progressive National Congress (PNC) have sparked debate in the Maldives parliament, with accusations and denials exchanged during an extraordinary session.
PNC Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah attributed the allegations of smuggling members into the party to dissatisfaction among certain groups over the party's rapid membership growth. Falah stated that the PNC has reached nearly 75,000 members due to extensive efforts in recent days.
Falah indirectly responded to claims that individuals, including Vikaradhoo MDP MP Hussein Ziyad, were added to the PNC membership list without their consent. He alleged that some MPs had taken membership forms from the PNC and shared them with the media.
Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir denied Falah's claims, asserting that Ziyad's inclusion in the PNC was a one-off incident, not indicative of systemic issues. Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla did not support Zakir’s position, stating that the matter of unauthorised inclusion was unproven.
Responding to the allegations, Falah maintained that Ziyad's prior involvement in various political parties indicated a pattern of irregular membership practices. He clarified that party membership could be facilitated by others and did not require individuals to personally submit forms.
Hulhumale South MP Ahmed Shamheed stated that Ziyad’s form had not been submitted to the Elections Commission (EC). Speaker Abdul Raheem noted that the parliamentary office had not received confirmation from the EC regarding this issue, dismissing it as a procedural matter.
Falah expressed frustration over the MDP's responses during the session and criticised the party for accusing the PNC of misconduct. He reiterated that no one had been added to the PNC register without their knowledge.
The controversy has been fuelhed by additional claims, including:
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Allegations of invalid forms submitted by the PNC, some bearing the signature of deputy home minister Ahmed Aaaly, who has denied involvement.
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Photos showing individuals filling out PNC membership forms inside the home ministry office, with home minister Ali Ihsan's presence.
In response, the MDP has announced plans to submit a no-confidence motion against Ihsan.
The Elections Commission has temporarily suspended membership registration for all political parties while the issue is under investigation.
