Hoarafushi MP decides to leave MDP

Hoarafushi Member of Parliament Ahmed Rasheed has decided to leave the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Speaking to Sun today, MP Ahmed Rasheed accused the founders of MDP of hogging the party's ideology and said that it is unreasonable to deny support to the new government at this point in time.

“MDP supporters believe an ideology of a particular group. MDP is being government as if they own that ideology. MDP parliamentary group also functions according to their will. I don’t want to stay exhausted to one single ideology,” MP Ahmed Rasheed said.

Answering criticism for breaking the three-line during the approval vote for President Yameen’s cabinet on 30 December, MP Ahmed Rasheed said that there is no regulation stating it mandatory to vote according to the whip. All 15 members of the cabinet were approved when seven MDP MPs voted against the whip.

MP Ahmed Rasheed said he is undecided on standing for re-election. He did not say which party he will join next.