Loyalists of Former President and current Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed have announced the decision to form a new political party under the name “Fikurehge Dhirun”.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday following the resignation of several parliamentarians who are loyal to Nasheed, from ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), MP for north Galolhu constituency Eva Abdulla revealed that the decision to form the new political party was reached “with great hope”.

Eva noted that she left the ruling party and decided to form a new political party as she believes MDP is not based upon the values observed before.

Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb, who also left the party on Wednesday, noted that they will be submitting the registration of their new political party to the Elections Commission of Maldives in the upcoming week.

It was also announced that the new political party spearheaded by Nasheed will be producing a candidate for this year’s presidential election, slated for September. It has been revealed that the party will be holding discussions with other political parties they can possibly collaborate with for the presidential polls.

Nasheed himself, has not yet defected from the ruling party.

Members of the parliament who submitted their resignation letters include 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.

Since President Solih won MDP’s primary election in January this year, the party has been divided into two factions; one supporting the incumbent president and one backing the former president and current speaker.

President Solih is running for this year’s presidential election through the main-ruling party.