Nasheed aides file for The Democrats registration with 3,500 membership forms
Although Nasheed's aides are forming a new party, he continues to be the president of MDP.
Aides of ruling MDP president Mohamed Nasheed on Thursday submitted over 3,500 membership forms to the Elections Commission to register their new The Democrats party.
MPs and supporters backing speaker Nasheed quit MDP in mid-May, and announced efforts to form a new political party and field their candidate to the upcoming presidential election.
Elections Commission on May 24 granted permission to form The Democrats, with them required to gather at least 3,000 members and file an application at the commission for registration.
Nasheed's aides went to Dharubaaruge, where the election headquarters is located, on Thursday and handed over six boxes and an envelope containing 3,560 forms to Elections Commission Secretary General Hassan Zakaria.
Speaking to reporters after filing the registration papers, Henveiru West MP Hassan Latheef said they have requested the Elections Commission to expedite the processing of membership forms and register the party. As soon as the registration process is over, a meeting will be convened to form the party where its charter and rules will be adopted, he added.
Hassan said once the party is formed, it will field a candidate for the September 9 presidential election. With this, the party will travel to islands across the country to garner support and reach 10,000 members, he added.
Although Nasheed's aides are forming a new party, he continues to be the president of MDP.
