In a surprising turn of events, President Mohamed Nasheed, former leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), declared his intention to dismantle the party he once led, while confirming his new affiliation with the Democrats. The announcement was made at a Democrats' gathering on Thursday night where Nasheed officially joined his new political faction.
Nasheed, who recently stepped down from his role as President of MDP last month, made a stern critique against the ruling party and his former political home. It was an emotionally charged address, as Nasheed expressed his sadness over parting ways with the MDP, but he was assertive in his conviction that this was the necessary step forward.
He pledged that his new party would contest in the upcoming presidential elections, adding that, "in the process, we will disband the MDP".
Nasheed's resignation from the MDP last month sparked a major shake-up in the political landscape of Maldives. Twelve other parliament members and the Vice President of MDP also left MDP, indicating a significant shift in power dynamics within the party and the Maldivian political arena.
The exodus of such a significant number of top-tier members, including its president, has left the MDP grappling with unforeseen challenges. The repercussions of these departures and Nasheed's new allegiance will be closely watched by political analysts and citizens alike as the Maldives prepares for the next presidential elections.
President Nasheed, a celebrated political figure and a stalwart of democracy in the Maldives, leading the charge against his former party marks an unprecedented chapter in the country's politics. With the promise of contesting the upcoming elections, the Democrats under Nasheed's leadership, are poised to challenge the dominance of the MDP.