Police have launched an investigation into an incident where black oil was thrown at the main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), campaign office located on Chandhanee Magu. The attack, reported to the police at around 12:59 AM last night, has heightened political tensions in the capital.

MDP Office Vandalized Amid Political Disputes

The MDP office was found vandalized with black oil, an act that comes amid escalating political friction between the MDP and the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) party. The MDP has been vocal in its criticism of the PNC, accusing the party of inflating its membership through the submission of fraudulent forms.

In a recent move, the MDP displayed photos of individuals they suspect of signing as witnesses on these allegedly fraudulent forms at their office. The party has also raised concerns about the removal of some of its general members and national council members from its registry, claiming they were added to the PNC’s membership without their consent.

އެމްޑީޕީގެ ދަނޑިކޮށި ޖަގަހައަށް ކަޅު ތެޔޮ ޖަހައިފައި -- ފޮޓޯ: މީސަމް މުބީން / މެންދުރު

MDP Alleges Electoral Malpractice

In a press release, the MDP stated that it has repeatedly brought these issues to the attention of the Elections Commission (EC). The party alleges that fraudulent forms have been used to artificially boost the PNC’s membership, undermining the integrity of the political process.

PNC Responds to Allegations

In response, the PNC issued a statement yesterday acknowledging that some fraudulent forms had been submitted to the EC during its recent membership drive. The party described the campaign as one of the largest in the country’s history in terms of the number of forms submitted. However, the PNC emphasized that it lacks the capability to verify the authenticity of the forms before they are submitted to the EC.

The PNC also noted that the issue of fraudulent forms is not unique to their party, citing the challenges faced by all political parties in the Maldives since the introduction of the multi-party system. The statement assured that the party is fully cooperating with the EC and police in investigating the matter.

Police Investigation Underway

As the police investigate the black oil attack, the incident has further intensified the political rivalry between the MDP and PNC. The MDP has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the vandalism, but the attack is widely seen as a direct response to the party’s recent allegations against the PNC.

The incident underscores the growing tensions in Maldivian politics, with both parties trading accusations and the EC facing increased scrutiny over its handling of membership disputes. As the investigation progresses, the public awaits further developments in what has become a highly charged political environment.