The 12 MPs who left the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) last week have notified the parliament that they no longer represent the ruling party.
The dozen MPs belonged to the Fikurehge Dhirun faction in MDP led by parliament speaker and former president Mohamed Nasheed.
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They filed applications to the elections commission on Sunday to form a new opposition party named the Democrats.
When the party is registered, they will represent the Democrats in the People’s Majlis.
Ali Azim who was expelled from MDP last Tuesday will also represent the new party bringing the total number of Democrat MPs to 13.
MP Hassan Latheef who filed applications on behalf of Nasheed supporters said more MPs, councilors and other politicians are expected to join the new party.
“There are a lot of people who have left MDP. For example, Kulhudhuffushi mayor has left MDP and is working with us. He is the president of that region. So there are many people like him,” Latheef stated.
Last Thursday’s parliament session was chaotic as Nasheed continued to treat the 12 MPs as members of MDP. He said the MPs have to personally notify the Majlis of their decision to quit MDP.
Despite his supporters' efforts to form a new party, Nasheed remains the president of the ruling party and has not commented on the matter.
