The ruling Progressive Congress Coalition is set to hold a special rally tonight, where several MPs from the opposing Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) are expected to officially join the Peoples' National Congress (PNC).
The event is scheduled to take place at Dharubaaruge in Male' City, with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, government officials, senior officials of the Progressive Congress Coalition, and MPs aligned with the government attending the ceremony.
While the exact number of MDP members defecting to the PNC remains unclear, sources suggest that at least four or five MDP members will switch allegiances. MDP too has confirmed it is likely that some of its MPs would leave the party to join PNC tonight.
If five MDP-aligned MPs leave the party, the opposing party would lose their current opportunity to remove the President and Vice President through parliamentary means. The shift also comes while the MDP delays the approval of cabinet ministers.
While the last sitting for this year's last session is scheduled for today, the agenda does not include the approval of cabinet ministers. As a result, the earliest opportunity for ministerial approval would be in mid-February when the new session commences.
Out of the 80 members in the parliament, seven MPs aligned with PNC registered from the Parliament to join President Dr. Muizzu's government. While only four currently belong to the ruling Progressive Congress Coalition, the defection of MDP members to the PNC would provide substantial support for Dr. Muizzu's government.
