MP Yousuf Naeem leaves DRP

Dhivehi Rayyitunge Party (DRP) Parliamentary Group Member Yousuf Naseem has left the party.

The Felidhoo MP confirmed to Sun today that he has left DRP, but said that he has not decided on a party to join next. He will decide on a party soon, he said.

When asked why he left DRP, MP Yousuf Naeem said that “I did not do leave the party because anything big happened.” He said that he will detail his reasons to the media at a later date.

“I did not leave the party because anything big happened. I have left the party, but have not decided on an ideology to accept next. I will notify the media later.” Yousuf Naeem said.

MP Yousuf Naeem’s departure from DRP comes a day after President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s election coalition announced DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali as the President’s running mate.

Soon after Thasmeen's announcement, DRP Deputy Leader and Henveyru-central MP Ali Azim also announced his departure from DRP and signed for the main opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Speaker of the Parliament Abdulla Shahid also left DRP and joined MDP when the parliament was in recess earlier this year. The recent changes reduce the DRP members in parliament to a total 9 MPs.