Arif: PPM has been a democracy since inception

Spokesperson of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Kelaa MP Ali Arif has remarked that PPM had been a very democratic party from its inception.

In a press conference held at Dharubaaruge this Monday, MP Arif remarked that Umar Naseer was one particular individual who had competed with President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom during the last party primary for Presidential Elections, and that he had served as Minister of Home Affairs for President Yameen after he won the presidency.

Arif said that despite the intense competition during the primaries, President Yameen and Umar Naseer had let bygones be bygones and worked together afterwards.

He said that PPM was very different from other political parties operating in the country including the main opposition political party – Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

He said that anyone who even hinted at competing against the former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed was kicked out of MDP.

“For example, Reeko Moosa. He expressed his intention during a public rally – that he plans on participating in the primaries for Presidential Election 2018. He was marginalized after that,” said Arif.

He said that the first leader of MDP - Ibrahim Ismail, the second leader – Dr. Mohamed Munawwar and another leader – Dr. Ibrahim Didi were all ostracized from the party.

Secretary-General of PPM, Nilandhoo MP Dr. Abdulla Khaleel announced that application for primaries to choose party candidates for the upcoming Local Council Elections was now open.

Khaleel said that application forms would be available from Hakuraa Maalam, Dharubaaruge.

He said that both PPM and Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) would be campaigning together for the council seats.

He said that PPM and MDA were under the agreement that no MDA candidate for a seat contested by a PPM candidate, and vice versa.

Khaleel has advised interested candidates to submit the application forms as soon as possible.