The Elections Commission (EC) has denied the party registration request by ‘The Democrats’.

Citing issues that need to be looked into further, EC denied the registration request by ‘The Democrats’ on Sunday.

Members of the party visited EC on Sunday, with West Henveiru MP Hassan Latheef asserting that they would not leave the premises unless permission was granted to hold the gathering to mark party’s formation.

However, the commission denied the request, for now.

In a video footage, Elections Commissioner Fuad Thaufeeq is seen stating that two members of the commission had voted to grant permission to register ‘The Democrats’ with two voting against it.

Adding that although he had decided to approve the request as the commission’s president, Fuad noted that some members had questioned his work and decided not to give the green light for the time being, as it should be passed by a majority.

He said that as per law, three months are given to consider approving the registration of a political party and it has been decided to grant permission after further investigation.

According to ‘The Democrats’, they filed their registration in compliance with the directives issued by EC, adding that there is no reason why permission should not be granted at present and that there are no valid reasons for not giving them the green light.

The party has also sought from the EC to inform them about what needs to be looked into.

‘The Democrats’ party filed for registration with the Elections Commission (EC), with 3,560 membership forms on June 1.

Application to form the new political party spearheaded by Mohamed Nasheed, leader of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was filed with the Elections Commission under MP Hassan Latheef’s name on 21 May 2023.

'The Democrats' was granted approval to gather 3,000 signatures in support for the foundation of the political party on 24 May 2023.

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.

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.