Falah: MDP better off forming a new political party

Ibrahim Falah, leader of the ruling PNC’s parliamentary group, states MDP cannot make a comeback, going onto suggest its members would be better off forming a new political party.

Falah made these remarks during a function held on Monday night to inaugurate PNC’s Male’ campaign office in Thinadhoo City.

In this regard, the top lawmaker from the ruling party called on MDP’s leadership to consider forming a new political party if they wish to continue their political activities.

"Two days ago, I saw the [Male’] Mayor engaged in 'door-to-door' campaigning. He was accompanied by only two people. There was no one else around. The entire MDP is fractured and divided into factions," he said.

Falah noted that, apart from the PNC, the MDP has the highest membership and therefore receives the largest share of state funding. He alleged that although the party received around MVR 9 million last year, it did not pay the candidacy fees for its contestants in the upcoming elections.

He emphasized that state funds granted to political parties are intended for political activities, not for the personal benefit of party leaders. He added that MDP candidates should know that the funds allocated to the party are being misappropriated by its leadership.

"They could not even offer a single Laari to their candidates. Why are these candidates contesting for a party whose leaders lack such basic integrity?" he questioned.

“Despite fielding capable individuals as candidates, in reality, what MDP is trying to do is destroy the nation,” he added.

Speaking further, ccused the MDP of spreading misinformation about the proposed referendum. He argued that the referendum would deliver substantial benefits to both the public and the state, claiming that the only “loss” MDP sees is a comparatively minor matter.

He specified that this alleged loss relates to a possible six-month salary reduction for the 12 MDP MPs currently serving in Parliament. Falah questioned how citizens could support a group that places priority on such concerns.

Falah had earlier voiced confidence that the ruling PNC could win between 800 and 900 seats across local councils and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) in the upcoming election.

It will elect 678 individuals to local councils and another 678 to Women’s Developing Committees, accounting for 1,356 posts in total.