Deputy leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Adam Shareef claims that three lawmakers representing the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have expressed interest in defecting to the opposition.

The Maduvvari constituency MP told RaajjeMV that these three MPs had met with him on Friday to discuss this.

While these parliamentarians are to have questioned him on whether the opposition coalition would accept them, Shareef is to have said that they will be accepted “as long as they fit with in the regulations and procedures.”

Shareef, who was also the third defence minister of the previous administration, is to have told them the need for further discussions “if they are serious about it.”

He is to discuss the matter with other leaders of the opposition; the opposition comprises of PNC and former ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

While the PNC deputy declined to disclose the name of these lawmakers, Shareef said that they had expressed interest in joining the opposition due to issues within the ruling party and its procedures.

The 19th People’s Majlis consists of 87 lawmakers, out of which 65 represent MDP.