The Democrats is a party of the youth, and the party will continue to grow and expand despite some members leaving, the party has said.
The statement comes amid the return of several senior members to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), including party President Hassan Latheef and Deputy President Mohamed Shifaz. Prior to joining the Democrats, both Latheef and Shifaz held senior positions in MDP. While Shifaz served as MDP’s Vice President, Hassan Latheef was the party's Chairperson.
At a press conference, the Democrats emphasised that there were no issues between the party and the members who left. Their decision to leave the party was politically motivated, the party said.
Speaking at the press conference, former Member of Parliament for the Maafannu North Constituency, Imthiyaz Fahmy assured that efforts to strengthen and grow the party would continue. This includes efforts to increase party membership as well as organizing events.
“This party has very clear principles. While it was founded on these principles, we also operate in line with them. We have worked to increase party membership. It is hard to say exactly how much we have grown. However, membership efforts will be ramped up with renewed focus across the Maldives,” Imthiyaz said.
The party reiterated that it does not believe the party would fail due to the members who left. It reaffirmed that it’s a party of the youth and that its future remains promising.