Discontent within opposition coalition after Umar joins JP

The past week may have seen new life poured into Jumhoory Party with the former Minister of Home Affairs and presidential candidate accepting JP’s request to join the party. The function held to celebrate Umar joining JP was attended by a large number of general party members.

This new development poses two major questions. Will the opposition coalition remain intact or disintegrate with Umar now a member of JP? How much support did the decision to invite Umar to join JP have among its general members?

“If Umar joins JP, then I shall leave the party”. This was a popular sentiment expressed by the party’s members on social media before the function.

The function to celebrate Umar joining JP was attended by only two of JP’s parliamentarians; deputy leader of JP – Kinbidhoo MP Abdulla Riyaz and Keyodhoo MP Moosa Nizar.

By sharp contrast, the function attracted a large number of general party members who listened intently to Umar’s speech. “What he’s saying is correct. But who knows what will happen” said many as they listened to his speech.

Meanwhile, some politicians who belong to the opposition coalition have also expressed discontent over Umar joining JP.

Deposed Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Mustafa tweeted that Umar lacked any political affluence.

Umar eii siyaasee eh ves rausmaaleh huri meeheh nuun. Majilis membareh nuun. Thimaafahathuga rahyyithun thakeh huri meeheh nuun. Meehunnaa eku ulhen ingey khala mizaajeh thimaakibaaga huri meeheh nuun, haradhu kureveyne fenvareh hurimeeheh nuun. Dhen mee kaaku?

— Mohamed Musthafa (@Thimarafushi) December 15, 2017

“Umar lacks any political affluence. He is not a parliamentarian. He lacks backing of the people. He lacks the personality to work together with anyone else. He does not have money. Now who is he?” tweeted Mustafa.

Mustafa made a string of tweets voicing his criticism of Umar. He tweeted that Umar would be the downfall of the opposition coalition, and that the general public hated him.

Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef dismissed Umar joining JP. He tweeted that everyone needed to stop talking about Umar, and discuss things of actual importance.

Groups of general members of the opposition parties have started social media campaigns against Umar.

Speaking at the function to celebrate Umar joining JP, Riyaz said the decision was discussed with coalition partners beforehand. He said the move will strengthen the coalition.

While general members of opposition political parties have been vocal in their displeasure of the move, leaders of political parties have remained silent. And none have offered Umar any official congratulation.