MDP discusses surrendering parliamentary seats to AP

Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has announced the decision to hold internal discussions to surrender some of the 86 parliamentary seats the party has announced the intention of contending for, to coalition partner Adhaalath Party (AP).

MDP, during a national council meeting held at Marble Hotel this Tuesday, voted in favor of surrendering some of the seats as requested by AP, as long as its consented for by party officials of the respective districts.

Speaking press after the meeting, Leader of MDP and former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed said the party cannot make a unilateral decision to surrender the seats, but that the national council had voted to surrender five or six seats if so agreed by party officials from the respective districts.

“The national council, today, gave their approval to hold discussions party members and national council members of five or six districts,” said Nasheed.

“The thinking of the national council, today, is that they have no right to make the decision. This party has a council for each district. It’s the president of the district councils who sit at the national council. Members of the national council want us to discuss this with district councils and party members of the districts,” added Nasheed.

The districts which are to be surrendered to AP have not been finalized.

“You will be informed of the districts once we reach a consensus,” said Nasheed.

Nasheed said AP and MDP were similar in organization and policies, making it easier for the two parties to work together.

Parliamentary ELections 2019 is scheduled to be held on April 6.