2,500 people join MDP; party membership crosses to 60,000
Some MDP members have left the party to join party president Mohamed Nasheed's breakaway The Democrats party.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
A total of 2,500 people from different administrative divisions of the country have joined MDP, the party said on Wednesday. If the Elections Commission approves all of the applications, the party's membership will cross 60,000.
According to the Elections Commission's website, MDP had 57,660 members as of February 21. If all forms handed over on Wednesday are valid, the party's strength will go up to 60,160.
The party office on Sunday received the forms of those who have joined MDP, the oldest and largest party in the country. The forms were handed over to party chairperson, economic minister Fayyaz Ismail.
According to the party, 2,500 members from 12 constituencies have joined the party:
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H.Dh. Makunudhoo constituency
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G.Dh. Thinadhoo South constituency
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Dh. Kudahuvadhoo constituency
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K. Thulusdhoo constituency
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G.Dh. Fares Maathoda constituency
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Sh. Milandhoo constituency
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G.Dh. Gaddhoo constituency
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G.Dh. Madaveli constituency
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N. Manadhoo constituency
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N. Kendhikulhudhoo constituency
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L. Isdhoo constituency
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Th. Thimmarafushi constituency
After handing over the forms, Fayyaz said that these were the forms of people who had signed during a previous membership drive and the formal handing over of the forms to the party office was carried out.
Some MDP members have left the party to join party president Mohamed Nasheed's breakaway The Democrats party. MDP, however, maintains that the number of defections is low.
