Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has welcomed former members of The Democrats into the party.
At a special ceremony, MDP accepted the membership of Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City Mohamed Athif and local council members as well as Parliamentarian Yasir Abdul Latheef, who had left MDP to form The Democrats. Those in attendance at the ceremony included President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, and Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer.
A faction of parliamentarians representing MDP opted to break away and establish The Democrats amid internal conflicts that emerged after the MDP primary election. Notably, Parliamentarian Latheef, a staunch supporter of Speaker of Parliament Nasheed, played a significant role in forming The Democrats after Nasheed's defeat to President Solih in the primaries.
Additionally, Mayor Athif and the members of the Kulhudhuffushi City Council who have joined MDP were some of the first elected officials who had joined The Democrats after its formation. With their membership approval, MDP has reclaimed a majority in the Kulhudhuffushi City Council.