Elections Commission dissolves The Democrats and MLSDP for failing to reach 3,000 members

The Elections Commission (EC) on Wednesday announced that it has dissolved The Democrats, the party founded by former President Mohamed Nasheed, and the Maldives Labour and Social Democratic Party (MLSDP).

The EC said the parties were removed from the political party register because they failed to meet the 3,000‑member requirement mandated under the Political Parties Act.

The MLSDP was initially formed in 2018 with the EC’s approval. However, in 2023, the commission announced its dissolution due to insufficient membership.

The MLSDP later filed a case in the Civil Court, arguing that the party was dissolved without being given adequate time to reach the legally required membership threshold. After the court ruled in its favour, the EC re‑registered the party.

The Democrats was formed by Nasheed and his associates after they split from the MDP ahead of the last presidential election.

The end of the previous administration saw deep internal divisions within the MDP, particularly between Nasheed and then‑President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Their relationship deteriorated sharply, with Nasheed becoming a vocal critic of the government and making serious allegations of corruption.

Nasheed resigned as MDP president on November 13, 2023.

Members loyal to him left the MDP and formed The Democrats. The party’s first chairperson was Hassan Latheef, and its vice‑president was Mohamed Shifaz.

After breaking away from the MDP, The Democrats contested the presidential election separately, securing only seven percent of the vote. The party refused to work with the MDP even after failing to reach the second round.

However, since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu took office, Nasheed has repeatedly said that the best path forward is for The Democrats and the MDP to work together. Following this shift, his close associates, including Hassan Latheef, Shifaz, and former parliamentary group leader Ali Azim, rejoined the MDP.

They returned at Nasheed’s urging, with Nasheed saying the MDP was “like his own child” and expressing hope for the success of both parties.

Nasheed and his associates formally rejoined the MDP on June 18 last year.