Mahloof joins PNC, his fourth political party

Ahmed Mahloof, who served as the Youth Minister in the last MDP administration, has signed for ruling PNC: his fourth political party.

Mahloof left MDP, which is currently the main opposition party, on September 8^th, citing it was to assume a government post.

Amidst harsh criticism against the former minister following his decision, Mahloof signed to ruling PNC on Friday night during the mass rally held by the party at Artificial Beach. He signed the membership form and handed it over to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who was in attendance.

Mahloof began his political career with DRP and played a key role in the formation of PPM, a breakaway faction from DRP. Although he was once a strong critic of MDP, he later joined the party following strained relations with former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom during his administration. As a lawmaker at the time, Mahloof actively campaigned against Yameen’s government.

He went on to serve as Youth Minister in the succeeding Solih administration. His tenure was briefly interrupted due to a suspension related to the MMPRC graft scandal.

Mahloof largely faded from the political scene since the end of the MDP administration. Although he was initially a strong critic of the current government, such remarks subsided shortly.

Notably, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu attended the closing ceremony of a badminton tournament organized by Mahloof in September as the chief guest.

He clapped back at the criticism against him over his decision to join the government, citing his ministerial post in the government of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was not a gift, adding his previous allies are now opposed to him.

Mahloof added that the decision was a difficult one, but did not elaborate on his reasons for making it.

Despite Mahloof’s departure from MDP, his wife, Nazra Nazeem remains in the main opposition party. Nazra currently serves as a consultant to Male’ City Council.