The main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) 's Chairman, Fayyaz Ismail has said that the party will no longer allow doubtful membership lists.
Speaking at the MDP National Assembly meeting held at Thaajuddin School on Monday, Fayyaz said the introduction of unverified memberships lists ahead of internal elections had always been a major concern within the party. However, those who facilitated such practices will not get that opportunity again, he said.
"Before we took over the party's leadership, the biggest concern regarding the party's internal elections had always been the use of unverified lists for elections. They no longer have the opportunity to do this," Fayyaz said.
Fayyaz said the 39,910 people who were removed from the MDP register in accordance with the decisions of the party's national assembly decision after he took over Chairpersonship were not listed on the MDP register maintained by the Election Commission. Of the 39,910 people who were expelled, 5,325 have rejoined the MDP, and 293 people have signed and submitted forms to join the party, he said.
According to Fayyaz, 11,014 of the people who were removed from the MDP register were not registered with any party. Of members already registered to other parties, most belonged to the main opposition, the Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), he noted.
No. of members registered to other parties
PPM - 6,357 members
JP - 3,788 members
MTD - 1,543 members,
MDA - 3,086 members
MRM - 928 members
Adaalath Party - 1,711 members
Congress Party - 58 Members
MSDP - 875 members
DRP - 389 members
MNP - 3,845 members
PNC - 698 members
Fayyaz added that if members who do not belong to other parties have been expelled, arrangements are being made for them to rejoin the MDP.
"I still hope that people who do not belong to other parties will have an opportunity [to rejoin the party]. That work is being done. But for now, we will continue as it was decided eight months ago," Fayyaz said.
