Thirteen parliamentarians representing the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have joined the main ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
The parliamentarians officially handed over their membership form at a special ceremony held by the PNC. The forms were accepted by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the leader of the main ruling coalition. President Muizzu welcomed the new members and said the decision they made to join PNC was for the benefit of the nation.
The newly joined PNC members:
• Maradhoo Constituency representative Ibrahim Shareef
• Feydhoo Constituency representative Mohamed Nihad
• South Mahchangolhi Constituency representative Ahmed Haitham
• Isdhoo Constituency representative Ali Hameed
• Kanditheemu Constituency representative Abdulla Shaheem Abdul Hakeem
• Kurendhoo Constituency representative Abdul Ghanee Abdul Hakeem
• Mathiveri Constituency representative Hassan Zareer
• Mulah Constituency representative Ibrahim Naseer
• Nilandhoo Constituency representative Abdul Muhsin Hameed
• South Maafannu Constituency representative Adam Ali
• Komandoo Constituency representative Mohamed Rasheed
• Thoddoo Constituency representative Hassan Shiyan
• Guraidhoo Constituency representative Ibrahim Shaz
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairperson of PNC Abdul Raheem Abdulla said the party had only 3,022 members when it won this year's presidential election but that the number has now risen to more than 40,000. He said this was proof that citizens want to move forward with the party's development vision, expressing hope that PNC will become the largest party in the country by the end of the year.
Also at the ceremony, Vice President of coalition partner PPM Ahmed Shiyam said there are no longer any MDP members in Parliament who are willing to listen to their party's leadership. He also said that the President remains steadfast in developing the country alongside people with differing opinions.
Additionally, Parliamentarian Ibrahim Shareef said that they did not join the main ruling party due to a change in political leaning but did so as part of their longstanding commitment to put national interests first. With the addition of the new members, PNC now consists of 15 representatives in Parliament, while the members representing MDP have been reduced to 42.