Kaashidhoo MP Jabir joins MDP

Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir, who is an independent member of parliament, joined ruling MDP on Sunday.

Jabir joined the party at a special function held at Salt Cafe. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attended the function and received his membership form. 

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, President Solih described Jabir's joining MDP as a major boost for the party and the government. President Solih, who is seeking re-election in the September 9 presidential election on MDP ticket, said Jabir joining the party was also a great help in winning the election.

"I have no doubt that Jabir's role and contribution in winning the upcoming presidential election will be very much rendered to me in the future. It will go a long way in winning the election," he said.

Noting that Jabir played a major role in MDP's victory in the presidential election in 2018, President Solih said "Jabir's invigorating spirit" will be a morale boost for many.

Jabir, who quit MDP after losing the party's parliamentary primary in 2019, said he decided to rejoin the party as the people who did not want him in MDP are no longer with the party. He was referring to former MDP president Mohamed Nasheed who quit MDP last week and is now working on registering a new party called The Democrats. 

With Jabir signing up to MDP, it will control 55 out of the 87-member parliament.