Isdhoo MP Ali Hameed has joined the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
MP Hameed was a member of the Jumhooree Party before joining MDP. A member since the party's inception, Ali Hameed ran for the post of JP's Vice President at the party's national conference last February. He is also known to be a close associate of JP leader Qasim Ibrahim and plays an important role in Qasim's businesses.
MP Hameed joined MDP at a ceremony held on Monday night at the presidential residence, Muleeaage. The ceremony was attended by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Economic Minister and MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail, Hithadhoo North MP and MDP's PG group leader Mohamed Aslam, and Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer.
The number of MDP members in the Parliament has increased to 67, with Ali Hameed joining the party. Ali Hameed's exit from the party leaves two JP MPs in the Parliament.
Although a part of the ruling coalition, JP has decided to contest the upcoming presidential election separately and lead a coalition of its own. The decision has led to several key members of JP leaving the party to back President Solih. Those who left the party include the Minister at the President's Office, Ahmed Sameer; Immigration Controller Mohamed Ahmed Hussain (Hanafy), MWSC's Managing Director, Hassan Shah; MTCC's CEO Adam Azim; Deputy Minister of the Higher Education Ministry, Aiminath Mohamed Saleem, and Deputy Minister of Arts, Waleedha Waleed. Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has also endorsed Presiden Solih for a second term of office.
