EC urges PNC to prevent damage to state property at future elections
Three people were arrested in connection with the incident and have been remanded in custody.
The Elections Commission (EC) has advised the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) to organise future internal elections in a manner that protects state property and ensures public safety following violence at a polling station earlier this month.
The advisory follows an incident during the PNC's internal elections on 11 July at a polling station set up in Kamil Didi Primary School in Hulhumalé Phase II, where clashes resulted in damage to school property.
Three people were arrested in connection with the incident and have been remanded in custody.
The Ministry of Education previously said the PNC had agreed to compensate the school for the damage.
Speaking to Dhauru, EC member and spokesperson Hassan Zakariyya said the commission had confirmed through the Ministry of Education that the compensation had been paid.
"Since PNC has paid the compensation, the EC is not taking further action. However, the EC has advised party leadership to prioritise safety and organise future elections in a way that prevents damage to state property," Hassan said.
Several people were injured during the clash.
Videos shared on social media showed a group entering the polling station, assaulting people inside and throwing chairs and other furniture.
Allegations circulated on social media that the group involved in the incident had been sent by PNC MP for Hulhumalé North, Hussain Shareef, and that his son was among those involved.
Hussain Shareef has denied the allegations.
