Thirteen Opposition MPs Join Ruling Party in Unprecedented Political Shift

Thirteen opposition MPs from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) defected to the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) in a major political shift. Their membership forms were handed to President Mohamed Muizzu at a ceremony on Thursday night. The MDP now holds 43 seats (down from 56), while the PNC has 15, becoming the minority party. Muizzu hinted at more defections. MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem accused Muizzu of buying lawmakers; the President's Office denied this. The government's retention of Mizna Shareef (daughter of defector Ibrahim Shareef) in her post sparked speculation. Several other MDP MPs are rumored to be considering switching ahead of the parliamentary elections.

Thirteen opposition MPs from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) defected to the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) in a major political shift. Their membership forms were handed to President Mohamed Muizzu at a ceremony on Thursday night. The MDP now holds 43 seats (down from 56), while the PNC has 15, becoming the minority party. Muizzu hinted at more defections. MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem accused Muizzu of buying lawmakers; the President's Office denied this. The government's retention of Mizna Shareef (daughter of defector Ibrahim Shareef) in her post sparked speculation. Several other MDP MPs are rumored to be considering switching ahead of the parliamentary elections.

Thirteen opposition MPs from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) defected to the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) in a major political shift. Their membership forms were handed to President Mohamed Muizzu at a ceremony on Thursday night. The MDP now holds 43 seats (down from 56), while the PNC has 15, becoming the minority party. Muizzu hinted at more defections. MDP MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem accused Muizzu of buying lawmakers; the President's Office denied this. The government's retention of Mizna Shareef (daughter of defector Ibrahim Shareef) in her post sparked speculation. Several other MDP MPs are rumored to be considering switching ahead of the parliamentary elections.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of politics / pnc.