SATV, Kathmandu, Apr. 29 - Elections Commission (EC) has advised the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) and the People’s National Front (PNF), alleging that their ongoing series of separate anti-government activities in Malé involve speech that violates general social standards and actions that incite unrest.

EC stated tonight that both parties were notified via letter to conduct their activities within the boundaries of laws and regulations.

According to a document published on the Commission’s website, the main opposition party MDP, as well as the PNF, were instructed to refrain from two primary actions to maintain legal and regulatory standards.

The first is to avoid speech that violates general social standards and to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims. The second is to cease holding gatherings and meetings in streets and public spaces.

"...to refrain from criticizing the private lives of party leaders, members, and those working for the parties in a manner that violates the code of conduct, to refrain from making false and unsubstantiated claims that create animosity and hatred in society, and to refrain from holding general meetings and activities of political parties in streets and public squares outside the scope permitted by law; the Commission notified that it would welcome political activities conducted within legal boundaries," the EC document stated.

This directive from the EC comes after the Leader of the PNC Parliamentary Group, Ibrahim Falah, expressed concern in the Parliament yesterday, stating that the Commission must investigate whether the parties are protesting in accordance with the law.

During yesterday’s debate in the Parliament, Falah said he did not understand the reason for taking to the streets for protests in the name of political parties at this time. After listing several reasons that might necessitate a protest, Falah stated that none of those things are currently happening in the Maldives.

"A government has not jailed a political figure. It is not being cruel to a citizen, nor is it doing anything that harms the nation," Falah said.

He further stated that what the government is doing is paying off the country's debts and working for the well-being of the citizens.

"The responsible authority for political parties is the Elections Commission. Today, the Elections Commission must investigate whether these activities currently being carried out by some political parties in Malé and various parts of the Maldives are activities permitted by the Political Parties Act," Falah said.

He added that if the leaders of the EC cannot fulfill that responsibility, they must reflect on it. Falah also stated that if protests are causing difficulties for students and citizens, it is the EC’s responsibility to stop them.

During today's Parliament sitting the PNC member for Baarashu constituency, Ibrahim Shujau, also spoke in a similar vein.