The opposition leaders are being criticized over supporting the candidacy of the recently re-seated 12 MPs in the 2019 parliament election, without a party primary.

The 12 MPs were re-seated by the Supreme Court after they were dismissed over a floor-crossing ban by defecting from the ruling party and supporting the opposition’s impeachment motion against the pro-government speaker.

In a tweet on Monday, opposition leader and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said that the opposition coalition partners ‘have already agreed to support the candidacy of the 12 MPs in their respective constituencies without going through a primary in the 2019 parliament elections.’

Maumoon has been severely criticized over his statement for being undemocratic.

Some lawmakers have denied claims that Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader and former president Mohamed Nasheed also agreed to back the 12 MPs without a primary election.

The lawmakers told RaajjeMV that the 12 MPs have met with Nasheed and shared concerns over how the coalition is splitting the parliament seats for the next election. Some of the lawmakers, including Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef, said that Nasheed has vowed to back them without a primary.

When questioned, MDP deputy leader Mohamed Shifaz said that their party’s tickets will only be given after a primary election.