14 MPs have signed for PPM, says Interim Spokesperson

Ahmed Mahloof, the Interim Spokesperson for the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), a new political party in the process of formation, has said today that some 14 Members of Parliament have already signed for the party.

Mahloof, who is serving a term as MP for Galolhu Dhekunu Constituency, said today that the number would hopefully rise to 20 before the People’s Majlis (Maldives Parliament) resumes after the present recess.

In addition to Mahloof, Abdulla Yamin, MP for Mulaku Constituency, Ahmed Nihaan Hussain, MP for Vilimaafannu Constituency, Ilham Ahmed, MP for Gemanafushi Constituency, Ali Arif, MP for Vaikaradhoo Constituency, Abdul Muhsin Hameed, MP for Nilandhoo Constituency, Dr. Afrasheem Ali, MP for Ungoofaaru Constituency, Hamdhoon Hameed, MP for Inguraidhoo Constituency, Abdul Raheem Abdullah, MP for Fonadhoo Constituency, Abdul Azeez Jamal Abu Bakr, MP for Maavashu Constituency, Yoosuf Abdul Ghafoor, MP for Gan Constituency, Ahmed Rasheed, MP for Isdhoo Constituency, and Ahmed Nazim, MP for Dhiggaru Constituency, are among the MPs who have signed for PPM.

Ahmed Saleem, Former President of Labour Party, and former MP for Eydhafushi Constituency has also joined PPM today morning.

Mahloof said that the 3000 member-mark, required for registration, has already been fulfilled, and that all the documentation shall be submitted to the Elections Commission tomorrow. He said that PPM would go down in Maldivian history as the most rapidly formed party, and as the fastest political party to collect the 3000 member-signatures required legally for registration.

Mahloof also assured that some of the once staunchest supporters of the current President Nasheed would be seen in the ranks of PPM. “They tried to make him the President. They were behind the success that Nasheed had in the 2008 Presidential elections. They campaigned for him with utmost vigor. However, they have now left him and joined with us”, said Mahloof, without naming any of the persons whom he was referring to.