Senior JP members sign to MDP over PPM backing

Some senior officials of Jumhoory Party (JP) have signed for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in discontent after JP decided to support PPM for the second round of the presidential election.

JP President Dr Ibrahim Didi and council members, former Transport Minister Dr Ahmed Shamheed, Moosa Rameez and Ahmed Hameed signed for MDP at a press conference in MDP’s main office today.

Speaking after the signing event, Dr Didi said he decided to return to MDP because he wished to consolidate democracy in the Maldives. He also said that JP leader Gasim Ibrahim truly supports MDP, but was “forced” to declare for PPM. He did not provide details.

MDP’s former Islamic Minister Dr Abdul Majeed Abdul Baaree also signed back to MDP today. Dr Majeed said he decided to return after carefully considering the party’s policies of religion and that he is confident that Islam in the Maldives will gain great progress in a MDP government.

Speaking at the press conference, MDP presidential candidate Mohamed Nasheed said the members signing to MDP has provided great encouragement for the party for the second round of the presidential election.