The two political parties backed by former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has suffered an embarrassing defeat in Saturday's parliamentary polls.
In fear of losing a party leadership dispute concerning his party Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Yameen who suffered defeat in November's presidential electio formed a new party named People's National Congress (PNC) ahead of the parliamentary election. After the Supreme Court had ruled in his favour, Yameen fielded a total 47 candidates from both parties in alliance with business tycoon Gasim's Jumhooree Party.
However, while main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has assured super majority of the 19th Parliament, the Progressive Coalition was able to secure only five parliament seats: four seats for PPM and one seat for PNC.
Former Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed was able to secure the Maavashu seat through PNC while Yameen's rival and elder brother, Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom's youngest son, Gassan Maumoon won the Thaa Guraidhoo seat through PPM. Members of the current parliament, Ahmed Saleem of Eydhafushi constituency, Ahmed Shiyam of Naifaru constituency and Ahmed Tariq of Mahibadhoo constituency were able to defend their seats and get re-elected.
Meanwhile, key members of the Progressive coalition suffered humiliating defeats, including PG group leader Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik who represented Vilimale' constituency during the last two terms of parliament.
Founder of PNC, Abdul Raheem Abdulla and his son Ibrahim Faisal suffered defeat, while Adam Shareef was also unsuccessful. Other notable failures include Ibrahim Shujau and Ahmed Rasheed.
The following Progressive coalition members who currently represent the 18th parliament were not elected despite re-election bid:
Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik; Vilimale' constituency
Ibrahim Shuja; Baarah constituency
Ahmed Rasheed; Gadhdhoo constituency
Abdul Raheem Abdulla; Fonadhoo constituency
Mohamed Ismail; Hoarafushi constituency
Ali Arif; Kelaa constituency
Muaz Mohamed Rasheed; Madaveli constituency
Mohamed Shahid; Hulhudhoo constituency
Ahmd Asad; Galolhu Dhekunu constituency
Asma Rasheed; Maafannu Central constituency
Abdulla Rifau; Maafannu Dhekunu constituency
Mohamed Ali; Dhuvaafaru constituency
Ibrahim Falaah; Inguraidhoo constituency
Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim; Hinnavaru constituency
Ibrahim Riza; Kaafu Guraidhoo constituency
Abdulla Khaleel; Nilandhoo constituency
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom
