‘The Democrats’ party has filed for registration with the Elections Commission (EC), with 3,500 membership forms.

The new political party spearheaded by Mohamed Nasheed, leader of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) filed for registration on Thursdya.

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.

Speaking with media after submitting the application forms, Hassan Latheef stated that the party has sought from the EC to allow the party formation meeting to be held if the number of members required as per law, to verify the forms at the earliest, is met.

When questioned why 3,560 applications were submitted, Hassan Latheef noted that they had targeted for 3,500 forms. However, he noted that 60 additional applications were received on Thursday morning.

'The Democrats' was granted approval to gather 3,000 signatures in support for the foundation of the political party on May 24. They sought EC’s approval to form the party on May 21.

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). Nasheed continues to hold on to his post as MDP’s president.

Loyalists of Former President and current Speaker of Parliament Nasheed announced the decision to form a separate party, after the resignation of several parliamentarians who are loyal to Nasheed, from the ruling party.

Latheef stated that the new political party, spearheaded by Nasheed 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.

It has been revealed that the party will be holding discussions with other political parties they can possibly collaborate with, for the presidential polls.

Latheef further noted that even though efforts to accommodate a specific number of members to the party are yet to commence, the party will become a “big” party. They are to have received overwhelming support for the opportunity opened to submit a name, logo and color to the party created by the “Fikurehge Dhirun”.

MP for north Galolhu constituency Eva Abdulla stated 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.

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 as the candidate of the main-ruling party.