MDP Vice President Shifaz and 12 MPs quit the party

Twelve MPs including the party's Vice President Mohammed Shifaz have left the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

A reliable source has confirmed the defection to Raajjemv.

All 13 have sent their resignation letters to the MDP Secretariat. The letters were sent early Wednesday and the MDP Secretariat has confirmed that they have been received.

The members who left the party include those working closely with former President Mohammed Nasheed. These members have been working against the government in parliament and other platforms, notably after Mohamed Nasheed lost the Primary election to President Solih.

Members of the parliament who submitted their resignation letters are; MP for Maafannu Central constituency Ibrahim Rasheed, MP for Maafannu North constituency Imthiaz Fahmi, MP for Machhangolhi North constituency Mohammed Rasheed, MP for Ungoofaaru constituency Mohammed Waheed, MP for G.Dh. Gahdhoo constituency Ahmed Zahir, MP for Henveiru West constituency Hassan Latheef, MP for Galolhu North constituency Eva Abdullah, MP for Hulhudhoo constituency Ilyas Labeeb, MP for Kulhudhuhfushi North constituency Yasir Abdul Lateef, MP for Vilifushi constituency Hassan Afeef, MP for Madaveli constituency Hussain Firshan and MP for Thoddoo constituency Hassan Shiyan.

The Speaker of Parliament and former President Mohammed Nasheed has not yet defected from the party.

There have been differences of opinion within the party, and the defectors have been openly critical of the current administration since the former president failed to win the MDP presidential primary.