Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom announced on Thursday that he has made the decision to form a new political party by the name of 'Maldives Reform Movement'.
Maumoon disclosed his decision while speaking to the press following a meeting at Salt Cafe'.
MRM would become the third political party to be established by Maumoon. Now dissolved Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) was also established under Maumoon's leadership. PPM was formed after falling out with DRP, after which PPM unceremoniously ousted Maumoon from the party over a dispute.
Prior to the expulsion from PPM, the Civil Court in 2016 found former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom guilty of violating the constitution, party charter and the political party law and handed-over party control to half brother and the then president Yameen.
However, a lawsuit was filed challenging the legality of the PPM leadership and asking the Civil Court to handover party reins to the elder Gayoom. But before a single hearing could be held, the Supreme Court had taken over the case.
The apex court of Maldives on Wednesday ruled Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s extraordinary congress held last year to be valid, which assures the leadership position for Yameen.
During Thursday's press conference, Maumoon admitted that he made the decision to change 'Maumoon Reform Movement' through which he was conducting political activities, to a political party following the Supreme Court's decision on Wednesday regarding PPM leadership.
Maumoon had assured that his will remains strong, and that he will be persistent in his efforts, even during defeat. His statement will become the motto of the new party, it has been reported.
Meeting held at Salt Cafe' to announce the formation of the new party
