Central Hithadhoo MP Rasheed resigns from MDP alongside Nasheed

Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Rasheed has resigned from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) alongside the party’s leader, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed.

MP Rasheed announced his resignation via a tweet on Wednesday afternoon, mere moments after Nasheed announced his resignation on the social media platform.

Supporters of Nasheed have defected MDP to form a new political party, ‘The Democrats’. While the party has filed for registration, Elections Commission (EC) has yet to issue the permit to form the party.

However, Nasheed lost control of the party after President Solih won the election.

Disagreements sparked between Nasheed and his supporters and pro-government MDP members subsequently, which exacerbated this year. A large number of Nasheed’s supporters, including lawmakers, defected from the party back in May following which they commenced efforts to form a new political party, ‘The Democrats’. 

With MP Rasheed's resignation, the number of MDP lawmakers who have resigned from the party has risen to 15. 

Mohamed Shifaz, who was serving as the deputy leader of MDP at that time, also tendered his resignation during the exodus. Therewith, at present, MDP does not have a leader or a deputy leader.

Till the current administration, Nasheed exercised full control over MDP. However, Nasheed lost control of the party after President Solih won the election.

Disagreements sparked between Nasheed and his supporters and pro-government MDP members subsequently, which exacerbated this year. A large number of Nasheed’s supporters, including lawmakers, defected from the party back in May following which they commenced efforts to form a new political party, ‘The Democrats’.

Mohamed Shifaz, who was serving as the deputy leader of MDP at that time, also tendered his resignation during the exodus. Therewith, at present, MDP does not have a leader or a deputy leader.