Coalition Partner Jumhooree Party (JP) siding with the opposition congress for the Parliamentary Elections will lead to them getting less votes rather than more, said main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MPD)’s Parliamentary Group member Imthiyaz Fahmy.

MP Fahmy said that JP members and its council are against their leader's decision to support the opposition coalition.

JP leader Qasim Ibrahim on Saturday night announced the party’s decision to support the 32 members fielded by the opposition coalition, comprising of jailed former President Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC).

“Even a council meeting wasn’t held. Council members weren’t consulted when the decision was made. Therefore, JP members are against the decision. The partnership between JP and the opposition will lead to a loss of votes. This is what I believe. I think this is a good opportunity for MDP to win majority” said Fahmy.

Tourism Minister and JP’s President Ali Waheed has also said that he will not support the opposition candidates.

Responding to Qasim’s call to release former President Yameen, MP Fahmy said that this most likely resulted from meetings between JP and the opposition.