Maldives National Party (MNP) has submitted documents to the Elections Commission of the Maldives (ECM) to formalise the political party.
Speaking at a ceremony held to submit documents to the ECM, Mohamed Nazim, who is actively heading the formation of the party, said efforts to form the new political party commenced on July 26. Nazim said over 5,000 members joining the political party shows the trust and hope people have put in the party. MNP will work within the democratic norms and policies to shine in the democratic country, also said Nazim.
He added party positions will be filled by holding elections and that each member is free to express their views.
Commenting on parliamentarians Mohamed Nasheed and Muhsin Hameed stepping back from signing for the party, Nazim said MNP will give each individual the opportunity to work within their ideologies and political beliefs. He expressed hope both parliamentarians will join the party eventually, if not now.
ECM gave permission on July 15 to Parliamentarian Ahmed Usham to form a new political party headed by Nazim, who is a former defence minister.
MNP has decided to compete in the upcoming presidential election to be held in 2023. So far, Nazim has announced he will compete in the primary held to determine a candidate.