The ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has asked other entities in the local political arena to refrain from using the colour magenta.

The party asked this on the grounds of the colour being officially registered as theirs, though nuances in hue were not addressed.

In a statement on Monday night, the party said that it has come to their attention that the opposition’s presidential candidate has been using a shade of the colour.

“We call on all other political parties, entities, and individuals involved with them to cease use of this colour entirely” the statement said.

While the divided party’s ruling faction uses magenta, its break-away faction – led by former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom – that is now aligned with the opposition uses the colour pink.