Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has stated that withdrawing support for North Thinadhoo MP Abdul Mughni was a political decision.

At a press conference on Tuesday, MDP’s deputy secretary general Afshan Latheef said that due to the seriousness of the domestic violence accusation against him, the party’s leadership can make the decision without consulting the MDP branches.

She said that they have talked to Mughni after withdrawing support and are discussing his statement and the declaration made by Thinadhoo’s MDP branch. She also said that MDP has not decided to support any other candidate in the constituency.

While Mughni has been accused of assaulting his then wife 10 years ago, the incident was not reported to the authorities. However, MDP has stated that it will take action against anyone who has been accused of violating party policies or its human rights principles.