Membership of president

The membership of President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik’s Gaumee Itthihaad Party (GIP) has increased from 2,000 before he became president, to over 3,000.

The registry of Elections Commission shows that GIP membership stood at 2,000 before he became president on 7 February 2012, and that it reached 3,000 in December 2012.

After one year of Dr Mohamed Waheed’s presidency, on 7 February 2013, GIP membership stood at 3,345.

GIP, which was formed in 2008 prior to the presidential elections, has commenced campaigns to increase membership.

GIP has been accused of asking employees of government companies to join the party. These rumours have however been denied by the companies and GIP.

GIP has said that efforts are under way to form coalitions with other political parties, as President Dr Mohamed Waheed wishes represent a coalition when he stands for the upcoming presidential elections with GIP’s ticket.