Ex-Pres. Yameen's new party to work with JP

Former President Abdulla Yameen’s new party, People’s National Congress (PNC) has stated that it is “ready” to work with ruling coalition partner Jumhooree Party (JP) in April’s parliamentary elections.

While a number of former ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) members have signed onto Yameen’s new party, the party is yet to be registered by the Elections Commission.

In a tweet sent out on Monday, Nilandhoo constituency MP - who also recently changed to PNC - said that the party is ready to join the journey started by JP leader Qasim Ibrahim “to save the parliament from Maldivian Democratic Party’s tyranny.”

“The people will choose what they want, and they will not give MDP majority,” he added.

MDP’s primaries for the upcoming parliamentary election was held on Friday, and its leader former President Mohamed Nasheed had on multiple occasions during campaign stated that the party needs majority to fulfill President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s pledges to the people.

The same day, after making various allegations against the main ruling party, Qasim announced that JP was ready to work with “other parties” in the parliamentary election.

While the current ruling coalition comprises of MDP, JP, Adhaalath Party and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s Maumoon Reform Movement, Qasim accused the main ruling party of sidelining JP and violating coalition agreements by choosing to compete in all 87 constituencies in the election.

In addition, Dhihdhoo constituency MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed- a representative of JP- has submitted a bill seeking to bar former presidents from contesting in parliamentary elections. Former President Nasheed is contesting in the election.

While JP’s parliamentary group leader had previously stated that MP Latheef has been asked to withdraw the bill, Qasim on Sunday said that the party cannot take action against a member for submitting a bill.

However, he added that the party had nothing to do with the bill.

He also said that JP will continue to work with government “if and when the agreements between them are honoured.”

The business tycoon and current parliament speaker’s comments were directed at MDP’s warning that the bill could create a rift with the joint parliamentary group.