EC urges political parties to comply with instructions of authorities

Elections Commission (EC) has urged all political parties registered in the Maldives to comply with the instructions of authorities.

The Commission’s remarks come at a time the opposition coalition, composed of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), has stated they will hold the mass rally planned for Male’ City in the upcoming weekend – Neyva Holhiah – despite warnings by the police against holding it.  

In a statement released tonight, EC – in the capacity of the authority overseeing political parties – had urged all political parties to hold their rallies and other activities within the confinements of the permitted laws and with respect for the internal peace and security of the country as well as the government’s foreign policies and diplomatic relations.

EC added that they will always cooperate with political activities instated by political parties which is in compliance with the necessary laws and regulations.

At a press conference held today, PNC’s leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla (Adhurey) stressed that the rally will be held on Friday as planned, despite the warning by the police.

“Our rally is a peaceful gathering. We will hold it,” he had said.

The police, in a statement on Wednesday evening, warned they will not allow for the rally to be held, citing that there were multiple reasons to believe the opposition isn’t planning to hold the rally under Freedom of Assembly Act.

 “The organizers of the rally are planning on carrying out activities that will hinder the people and public transport services, recruiting members of criminal groups in Male’ to join the rally, and having groups of people sent to different locations to interfere in the maintenance of security during the rally,” said the police.

Police warned they will dismantle the rally and take action against protestors.