MDP Loses MP as Former MP Joins Fold

MP Ahmed Haitham of South Machcholanghi announced his departure from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), citing a drift from core values in a letter to party chairperson Fayyaz Ismail. This follows the earlier exit of Fonadhoo MP Moosa Siraj, who joined the opposition PPM. Meanwhile, former South Machcholanghi MP Abdulla Sinan formally rejoined MDP, having been involved in MDP's campaign activities. Sinan originally was elected as a PPM candidate in 2014, lost his seat for floor-crossing, was charged with terrorism, and later released after the 2018 election. He founded the Maldives National Party (MNP) and lost the 2019 election to Haitham. MDP now has 55 MPs in Parliament.

MP Ahmed Haitham of South Machcholanghi announced his departure from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), citing a drift from core values in a letter to party chairperson Fayyaz Ismail. This follows the earlier exit of Fonadhoo MP Moosa Siraj, who joined the opposition PPM. Meanwhile, former South Machcholanghi MP Abdulla Sinan formally rejoined MDP, having been involved in MDP's campaign activities. Sinan originally was elected as a PPM candidate in 2014, lost his seat for floor-crossing, was charged with terrorism, and later released after the 2018 election. He founded the Maldives National Party (MNP) and lost the 2019 election to Haitham. MDP now has 55 MPs in Parliament.

MP Ahmed Haitham of South Machcholanghi announced his departure from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), citing a drift from core values in a letter to party chairperson Fayyaz Ismail. This follows the earlier exit of Fonadhoo MP Moosa Siraj, who joined the opposition PPM. Meanwhile, former South Machcholanghi MP Abdulla Sinan formally rejoined MDP, having been involved in MDP's campaign activities. Sinan originally was elected as a PPM candidate in 2014, lost his seat for floor-crossing, was charged with terrorism, and later released after the 2018 election. He founded the Maldives National Party (MNP) and lost the 2019 election to Haitham. MDP now has 55 MPs in Parliament.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of defection / party-politics.