DRP brings legal action against the Z Faction

Divehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), the main opposition in the People’s Majlis (Parliament) and the second largest political party in the Maldives has filed a lawsuit at the Civil Court, seeking termination of the activities of the self-styled “Z Faction” of the party.

Mr. Ali Salih, Media Coordinator of DRP said today that the claim filed at the Civil Court was “to stop political activities undertaken by some in the name of DRP against the permission and consent of the Party Council, including the use of Party logo and name”. When asked whether by the phrase “political activities” he referred to the Z Faction, he said that he “did not know what Z Faction was”. However, the allusion to the Z Faction was clear from references to Mr. Umar Naseer and Z Faction’s political activities carried out at the registered office of Whale Submarine, a private company belonging to Mr. Umar, who has been one of the most prominent members of the Z Faction since it emerged.

Responding to the filing of the case, Mr. Umar Naseer said that the “Z Faction” was a movement within DRP, initiated and carried on by members of the Party, dedicated to reforming the party, and that therefore the movement could not be eliminated at a court of law. “If Mr. Tasmin (DRP Leader) thinks that he can stop the Z Faction by going to Court, he is much mistaken”, said Umar. He added that the Z Faction would go on to win the presidential elections in 2013.

The Z Faction is a movement within the DRP consisting of senior leaders of the party who have rallied behind al-Ustaad Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom, former President, and founder of the party. The Faction has continuously challenged the policies and decisions of Mr. Ahmed Tasmin Ali, the Party Leader.