MDP decides to object PPM representation in Majlis

The Parliamentary Group of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has decided to object the proposition to allow the newly formed opposition party, the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) to be represented in the People’s Majlis.

PPM was formed months ago, by a group of parliamentarians who were members of the major opposition Divehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), and who rallied behind former President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom, who was the founder of DRP. Maumoon and his supporters in DRP decided to break away from DRP and form a new party after differences between them and DRP leader Ahmed Tasmin Ali dragged on for a long time.

Mohamed Shifaz, member of MDP Parliamentary Group and MP for Baarashu constituency, said today that they had a meeting to discuss the matter of PPM’s representation in the Majlis on Wednesday. The decision was taken one day after the General Committee of the People’s Majlis decided to accept a proposal for an amendment to the Majlis Rules of Procedure, allowing a new party to represent itself during the midst of a running term. If the Committee decision is endorsed by the Majlis when it resumes after the current recess, PPM members in the Majlis would be able to officially represent their party in the Majlis.

“We do not think that it is appropriate to give PPM the chance to represent itself in the Majlis. The reason is that we must hold onto the way things have been done at the Majlis. So, our Parliamentary Group has decided to refuse their representation”, said Shifaz.

Shifaz said that giving PPM the right to represent itself in the Majlis would do injustice to the people.

PPM’s member Ahmed Mahloof, PM for Galolhu Dhekunu, Malé, constituency, proposed the amendment seeking official representation of his party at the Majlis.