Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said the agreement made by government coalition to provide party tickets for the 12 reinstated parliamentarians will be maintained.
During the presidency of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, 12 parliamentarians, representing the then ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) joined the opposition movement which resulted in the Elections Commission declaring they have lost their parliament seats. However, the Supreme Court overruled the decision of the electoral body by reinstating the parliamentarians.
In a tweet in November, former President Maumoon said the coalition leaders have agreed to grant party tickets for the 12 reinstated parliamentarians in recognition of their efforts to defend their seats and the rights of their constituents, in addition to their role in successfully establishing a coalition government. However, the decision was criticised by the general public as well as the main ruling party in the government coalition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Despite the criticism, former President Maumoon has said he will maintain the promise and grant party tickets to 12 parliamentarians without primary.
The parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held on April 6.