The Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) has officially granted approval for The Democrats to convene its inaugural meeting, marking a significant milestone in the party’s formation process. In a letter addressed to The Democrats, ECM President Fuad Thaufeeq confirmed that the electoral body has received the required 3,000 membership applications and has given the green light for the party to proceed with its inaugural gathering.
The formation of The Democrats was initiated by supporters of Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, who had decided to break away from the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). In May, these individuals submitted 3,560 applications for party registration, showcasing their commitment to establishing The Democrats as a distinct political entity in the Maldives. The party has expressed its determination to expand its membership base and eventually field a presidential candidate for the upcoming election.
Currently, the Maldives comprises a total of 11 registered political parties, with many of them being inactive. However, a handful of parties, namely the MDP, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Jumhooree Party (JP), the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), the Maldives National Party (MNP), and Adhaalath Party (AP), boast membership numbers surpassing 10,000.
The approval granted by the ECM marks an important step for The Democrats as they solidify their presence within the Maldivian political landscape. With the inaugural meeting now on the horizon, the party is poised to advance its agenda and shape its vision for the future, aiming to carve out its own path separate from existing political entities in the country.
