President has no involvement in formation of a new political party

The spokesperson of the President’s Office, Mabrook Hassan, has denied that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has any involvement in the formation of a new political party.

Speaking to Sun, Mabrook stated that the President will remain a loyal member Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) – and has no hand in the formation of any other political parties.

“The President is a founding member of the MDP. He will continue to remain as a member of MDP,” Mabrook added.

Mabrook has made this statement following an allegation made by Ahmed Shiyam, the Deputy Leader of the main opposition party – Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) – stating that Former Defense Minister, Dhangethi MP Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim is spearheading the formation of a new political party at the instruction of the President.

Dhangethi MP Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim and Thimarafushi MP Abdulla Riyaz who was elected to the Parliament as Jumhoory Party candidates have recently announced their departure from the party in order to form a new political party.

Just yesterday, Leader of MDP Mohamed Nasheed has announced that he will no longer stand by the President politically, citing differences in political ideology. Nasheed also expressed his wishes to form a coalition with PPM.

Speaking with respect to Nasheed’s statement, Mabrook stated that the President’s sole focus right now is to fulfill his electoral pledges.