PNF downplays failed membership number on small clerical errors
Noting how the EC has recently introduced mother's ID card number in the forms, Maleeh expressed concern over it.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
The Election Commission (EC) has rejected more than 1,300 applications for registration of the People’s National Front (PNF), which was formed by former President Abdullah Yameen, due to administrative problems.
Former Election Commission Vice-President and Spokesperson Ismail Habeeb told Atoll Times that a total of 3,370 forms had been submitted twice for PNF registration. According to Habeeb:
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Of these, 1,976 forms were valid
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1,313 forms can be improved by administrative amendments
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81 forms are not valid
Asked why so many forms were rejected, Maleeh Jamal, who spearheaded the creation of the PNF and was Youth Minister in the Yameen government, told Atoll Times that these were "minor administrative issues" in the forms, all of which were valid.
The process of correcting the problematic forms is already underway and the party will be registered as soon as possible, he said.
“A lot of it is already done,” he noted.
Maleeh also mentioned some administrative issues in the forms. They include:
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Wrong date; for example, 2023 where 2024 should be
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Mother's name and ID card number are not written on some forms
Noting that the EC has recently introduced mother's ID card number in the forms, Maleeh expressed concern over it. He said if the information is to be included in the forms submitted when forming a new party, other parties should also update their membership forms with the information.
"How can I be required to put my mother's name and ID?" he asked, noting that every 18-year-old has the right to join a political party of his choice. He said it should not be assumed that everyone's mother would share the information.
He added that:
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Such information is already available in government agencies; we dont need to fill it out in every application now
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The requirements introduced for new parties should apply to existing parties; the existing system needs to be updated
Yameen announced his decision to quit PPM and form a new party on November 23, following some conflicts with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Thus:
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The party applied for permission to register a new party under the name PNF on November 26. The Election Commission granted permission to the party to reach the required 3,000 members and carry out party formation activities three days later, on November 29
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The party's founders have previously said they will reach 3,000 members within 24 hours
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When asked about the delay in submitting the forms, the party said it would submit the forms at the most appropriate time considering the political situation
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It has since said that the party will be registered after Yameen's release.
