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MDP legal team speaks to reporters on Sunday. (Photo/MDP)

MDP accuses PNC of enrolling 3,000 members without consent

Mahfooz called for police to investigate the use of false testimony in these cases

19 January 2025

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Sunday alleged that over 3,000 of its members were added to the People’s National Congress (PNC) without their knowledge.

The claims, which involve the submission of falsified membership forms, were raised during a press conference held by the MDP legal team.

MDP Legal Director Mahfooz Saeed stated that the transfers violated members’ basic rights and involved the misuse of personal information. He further noted that complaints had been lodged with multiple authorities:

  • Over 3,000 members have reported being added to the PNC register without consent.

  • Sixty-eight cases have been formally submitted to the police for investigation.

Mahfooz emphasised that party memberships require forms signed by two witnesses. He called for police to investigate the use of false testimony in these cases, adding that even one verified case could expose systematic wrongdoing.

The MDP has escalated the issue to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Elections Commission (EC). Specific allegations include:

  • Misuse of state resources to process membership forms within the Department of National Registration (DNR).

  • Direct involvement of Home Minister Ali Ihsan in overseeing the alleged manipulation of personal information.

Photos circulating on social media reportedly show DNR office systems being used to access and print citizens’ photographs for membership forms. MDP spokesperson Anas Abdul Sattar accused Ihsan of direct involvement and called for his suspension pending investigation.

The MDP has also urged the EC to suspend the processing of PNC membership forms until the investigation is concluded. However, the EC has only temporarily suspended the acceptance of new applications.

Mahfooz criticised the EC’s actions, stating that suspending applications infringes on the constitutionally guaranteed right to join political parties. He argued that instead of a blanket suspension, the EC should enforce penalties of MVR 10,000 per falsified form, as stipulated by law.

The MDP raised additional concerns about:

  • PNC Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader Mohamed Ismail allegedly signing forms as a witness.

  • The EC’s inability to verify the validity of forms submitted.

The MDP called on the authorities to conduct thorough investigations and hold those responsible accountable. The PNC has yet to respond to these allegations.

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