'The Democrats' has been granted approval to gather 3,000 signatures in support for the foundation of the political party.

The Elections Commission granted The Democrats, approval for formation on 24 May, 2023.

The party has been given permission to collect 3,000 signatures in compliance with Article 6(b) of the Political Party Rules, according to the letter signed by Ismail Habib Abdul Raheem, Vice-President of the Elections Commission.

Therefore, the party must complete the requirements to form the party within three months and submit it to the Elections Commission.

Loyalists of Former President and current Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed sought approval from the Elections Commission to form the new party, 'The Democrats', on 21 May, 2023.

The application to form ‘The Democrats’ was filed with the Elections Commission under West Henveiru MP Hassan Latheef’s name.

Although the application to form a new party has been submitted by Nasheed’s loyalists, Nasheed himself, has not yet defected from the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

His loyalists announced the decision to form a separate party, last week, after the resignation of several parliamentarians who are loyal to Nasheed, from the ruling party.

It has been disclosed that The Democrats will be producing a candidate for this year’s presidential election, slated for September.

Spokesperson of the party, Afshan Latheef has also confirmed that they will be producing a candidate for the presidential poll.

As such, the party will be holding discussions with other political parties they can possibly collaborate with, for the presidential polls.

MP Hassan Latheef has earlier stated that the party will become a “big” party. He noted that a lot of individuals have been reaching out to join the party.

Hassan latheef noted that the party aims to garner as much support as possible.