Thirteen MPs have left the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and joined the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) at a special ceremony held tonight.

The 13 MPs who signed up for PNC handed over their forms to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

MPs who signed up for PNC are:

1. Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef
2. Feydhoo MP Mohamed Nihad
3. Mahchangolhi North MP Ahmed Haitham
4. Isdhoo MP Ali Hameed
5. Kanditheem MP Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem
6. Kurendhoo MP Abdul Ghani Abdul Hakeem
7. Mathiveri MP Hassan Zareer
8. Mulak MP Ibrahim Naseer
9. Nilandhoo MP Abdul Muhsin Hameed
10. Maafannu South MP Adam Ali
11. Komandoo MP Mohamed Raashid
12. Thoddoo MP Hassan Shiyan
13. Guraidhoo MP Ibrahim Shaz

Speaking at the gathering, Muizzu said more MDP MPs stand with him and expressed hope that they would join PNC soon.

“I personally know that there are MDP MPs who have stayed in the MDP parliamentary group although they have not joined us for various reasons,” he said.

Muizzu said he was confident that the MDP members who support him would not vote against him in an impeachment vote.

“There are MDP MPs who will not vote against me even if they cut off their fingers. I know that,” he said.

Thanking the members who joined PNC tonight, Muizzu claimed that they chose the nation.

"I am sure that more MPs will be encouraged by your decision to join this rank, the nation's rank. We are hoping for that," he said.