MP refuses to withdraw bill to bar ex-presidents from parliamentary elections

Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed has said that he will not withdraw the bill proposing to bar former presidents from contesting the parliamentary elections, even if his party asks him.

Jumhooree Party (JP) member Latheef said that he was willing to face any resistance to the bill.

JP’s parliamentary group leader Abdulla Riyaz has said that Latheef made the decision without discussing it with the party and that he has asked him to withdraw the bill.

Ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has stated that the bill was targetted at their leader, former president Mohamed Nasheed, who is vying for the Central Mahchangolhi seat in April’s parliamentary election.

However, MDP Chairperson Hassan Latheef denied there being any rift between the coalition parties.