Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has denounced a party governing council meeting convened on Sunday by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
A Civil Court ruling issued early on Sunday stripped President Gayoom of control of the party, after which he convened a council meeting with council members loyal to him.
The court ordered the PPM governing council to handover the reins of the party to its advisor – President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
Speaking to the media after another council meeting convened by President Yameen, PPM Deputy Leader – Fonadhoo MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla called the meeting convened by President Gayoom a farce.
He said the council meeting by President Gayoom was unlawful and convened in violation of the court ruling.
He further said President Gayoom no longer had any authority to hold a council meeting, or meddle in the party’s affairs.
The council meeting held Sunday night, presided over by President Yameen, saw a number of appointments to party posts including Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General.
Nilandhoo MP Dr. Abdulla Khaleel was appointed the Secretary-General, while Iqbal Adam was appointed as his deputy.
The council meeting also voted to appoint Parliamentary Group Leader – Villimalé MP Ahmed Nihan Hussein Manik and MP Abdul Raheem as party representatives for the all-party talks.
MP Abdul Raheem further said preparations are now being made for the upcoming Local Council Elections, slated for January.
President Gayoom said on Sunday that he would appeal the Civil Court ruling at the High Court.