MRM instructs branches to continue operations as usual

The Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) has instructed all its branches, committees and general members to continue conducting party activities as usual.

The instructions come after the Elections Commission (EC) decided last week to dissolve the party – founded by former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom – for failure to bring up its membership to 3,000.

MRM, which called the decision “illegal and corrupt”, has filed a case with the Civil Court over the issue. The court granted an injunction to freeze the enforcement of EC’s decision on Sunday.

On early Monday, the party issued a statement instructing all its branches, committees and members to continue with the party’s activities as usual.

The party alleged it was a target of continuous efforts by various parties to derail its “reform work”, but expressed confidence the party will receive justice in the case.

The party appealed to its members to remain patient and stand by the party while it fights the case in court.

MRM is the third political party founded by Maumoon since the enactment of the Political Parties Act in 2005. He had also founded the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) – which was dissolved by EC earlier this year, and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) – which is now the country’s largest opposition party – headed by his brother – former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.