PPM and PNC fined MVR 75,000

Elections Commission (EC) has pressed a MVR 75,000 fine on opposition political parties Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), citing repeated violation of safety guidelines issued by Health Protection Agency (HPA) to control the coronavirus outbreak.

Elections Commission announced its decision this Monday.

Elections Commission said PPM and PNC were fined for repeated violation of Political Parties Act, Freedom of Assembly Act, and guidelines issued by HPA under the Public Health Act.

The decision comes after PPM and PNC organized a motorcycle rally in Male’ City on Friday. The rally attracted a large number of participants, and police have summoned several politicians involved in organizing the rally for questioning.

Among those summoned by police include PNC leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla, PNC deputy leader Ibrahim Shujau, and PPM deputy leader and Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam, who have been pressed with a MVR 1,000 fine each.

They were fined for violation of HPA’s guidelines which prohibit public gatherings of more than five people.

Meanwhile, special advisor to the PPM- PNC coalition, former Maldivian president Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik was also brought in for questioning by the police. He refused to speak to the police, and chose instead to exercise his right to remain silent. He said that he will proceed with the case with the assistance of a lawyer.