Officials from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) went to the police headquarters in Male’ on Wednesday, urging the police to expedite the investigation into allegations the main ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) submitted fake forms in an effort to boost membership.
The MDP has said it received complaints from over 3,000 people regarding fake membership forms to the PNC in their name using old national ID card photos, and forged signatures and fingerprints.
The party has lodged a case with the police over the issue.
Speaking from outside the police headquarters on Wednesday afternoon, Anas Abdul Sattar, the party’s spokesperson, told reporters that that the police provided assurance they were investigating the case as a serious matter.
Anas said that the police said they would provide an official comment after discussions with Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau.
Mahfooz Saeed, a member of MDP’s legal team, told reporters that the party submitted cases involving 96 individuals.
“I want to tell the people who lodged the cases with the police through us that the police will call them. It is important that they provide statements and cooperate with the police in the investigation,” he said.
Mahfooz said that according to the police, they have yet to question any of the people who signed as witnesses in the alleged fake forms.
The PNC has admitted to submitting several unverified membership forms to the Elections Commission. But they said it hasn’t been deliberate, and that the party lacks the capacity to verify forms.
The EC has suspended the membership process as it investigates the recent issue of fake forms, and is set to digitalize the political party membership process so that people can only apply for membership via eFaas.
The commission has said that it will close the door to fake forms.