Villimale' MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik has stepped down from Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s leadership.
Nihan, who failed his re-election bid for the parliament in the recent elections stated in a tweet that PPM is a political party which rose to power in a short period. Nihan credited all achievements of the party to its members.
Resigning from the party leadership, Nihan called all PPM leadership members who failed to step down and give the opportunity to a new leadership, attributing the party's defeat in the 2018 presidential election and 2019 parliamentary election to the lack of a strong leadership.
Assuring that he would continue to serve the party as a general member of the party, he acknowledged that members of PPM are loyal and faithful to the party, and stated that no further grievances should be subjected on its members.
This is the first statement made by Nihan following parliamentary elections. Nihan, who has been the Villimale' MP for the past two terms of the parliament contested for Thinadhoo Dhekunu constituency in the 19th parliamentary election and suffered a humiliating defeat.
While most of the current MPs representing PPM at the Parliament were unable to defend their seats, including key member of the progressive coalition Abdul Raheem Abdulla, PPM was able to secure just five seats in the 19th Parliament. Their sub-party, People's National Congress (PNC) won three seats. Main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) attained super majority of the parliament by winning 65 seats.
