DRP leaves government coalition

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has decided to leave Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s government.

The decision was made at an extraordinary meeting of the party's council, with 10 out of 13 votes in favour of the departure.

DRP leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, who was also Dr Mohamed Waheed’s running mate for the September presidential election, stated that discontent over the government’s handling of the re-run of the presidential election was the reason for the departure.

DRP council decides to withdraw from Government expressing discontent over Government's actions in election related matters.

— Ahmed Thasmeen Ali (@Thasmeen) October 19, 2013

Re-run of the presidential election, ordered by the Supreme Court after annulling the September election, was scheduled for today and cancelled this morning amidst accusations that the Elections Commission was violating a 16-point guideline levied by the Supreme Court, and the police consequently obstructing elections efforts.

DRP still holds seats in the cabinet, who include Education Minister Dr Asim Ahmed and Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shafeeu.