Vilimale' constituency member and parliamentary group leader of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Ahmed Nihan had pointed out the turn of tables with the recent pledge of allegiance by lawmaker Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) to the ruling party, claiming a win.
Nihan affirmed that seven more lawmakers from the opposition's block will soon transition to the ruling party's side.
Speaking to Avas Online the PG group leader of PPM, Nihan attested that Thoriq has now enrolled to the ruling party and is a full fledged PG member as well. Nihan also said several lawmakers who parted ways and banded with opposition during the no-confidence motion of parliament Speaker Abdulla Maseeh, had initiated talks with PPM leaders once again.
Meanwhile opposition had rebutted ruling party's claim and assures Thoriq is still supportive of the opposition's movement.
Earlier PPM had dismissed several lawmakers over an internal dispute that saw no resolve. The dismissed members included Dhiggaru constituency member Ahmed Faris Maumoon, Thulusdhoo constituency lawmaker Mohamed Waheed Ibrahim.
Both Saud Hussain and Mohamed Ameeth of Vilingili and Maduvvari constituencies respectively, were sacked from their party held positions.
Additionally 10 other lawmakers had defected to the opposition following the upheaval. Out of the lot, four lawmakers were sentenced by Elections Commission to have lost their parliament seats which then led to controversy ridden court affairs.
