‘The Democrats’ registered as a political party

Elections Commission (EC), on Wednesday, has registered ‘The Democrats’ as a political party in the Maldives.

EC’s Vice President Ismail Habeeb said the commission convened for a meeting late this afternoon during which the members of the commission unanimously decided to register ‘The Democrats’ as they have fulfilled all perquisites necessary to be registered as a political party.

EC greenlighted the formation of ‘The Democrats’ on July 2^nd, following which the party held its inaugural congress on July 5^th.

Approval to form ‘The Democrats’ was sought by supporters of Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed following their defection from the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) after major disagreements with pro-government members.

EC’s permission to form the party came after criticism from the party’s officials after the EC failed to hold the vote to issue the permit. Three commissioners had boycotted the meeting during which the vote had been set to take place, citing lack of confidence in the commission’s chairman Fuad Thaufeeq. Officials of the party accused the three commissioners of deliberately stalling the formation of the party.

While ‘The Democrats’ undertake political activities across the nation at present – they have joined up with opposition PPM-PNC coalition in an attempt to change the current administration.