Democrats invites PPM MPs to work together
Hassan Latheef said he was aware that this was a "very frustrating time" for the PPM's general members.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
The Democrats on Saturday invited MPs representing the main opposition PPM in parliament and their general members to work with them.
Democrats Chairman Hassan Latheef said some PPM members have said they want to discuss the matter.
Henveiru West MP and Democrats founder Hassan Latheef made the announcement at the party's headquarters in H. Maizandhoshuge at a press conference on Saturday night.
Hassan Latheef said he was aware that this was a "very frustrating time" for the PPM's general members and he believed that things were not going the way the members would have liked.
Hassan Latheef, who did not specify what it was, was referring to the Election Commission's decision not to accept the candidacy of former President Abdullah Yameen as the PPM's presidential candidate.
“We Democrats strongly urge both ordinary members of the PPM, and especially some senior members of the PPM, to work with The Democrats at this time,” Latheef said.
He said he had issued the invitation to some PPM MPs on Saturday night.
"I am not saying that they are to leave the PPM and join the Democrats. They should stay in their party and work as a separate group with the Democrats," Hassan said.
The Democrats invited PPM lawmakers including, according to Hassan:
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PPM Parliamentary Group Leader, Eydhafushi MP Ahmed Saleem
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PPM Vice-President, Th. Guraidhoo MP Gassan Maumoon
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PPM Vice-President, Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam
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PNC Vice-President, Maavashu MP Mohamed Saeed
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PNC Vice President, Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef
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Mahibadhoo PPM MP Ahmed Thorig (Tom)
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Felidhoo PNC PM Fazul Rasheed
Hassan said the list includes PNC members, but Faresmathoda MP Hussain Mohammed Latheef who has been appointed as Muizzu’s running mate was not included in the list.
At the press conference, Hassan said he would like to go to talks as soon as possible. Some members have responded to the invitation, he said.
When asked what the answer was, Hassan said he was in discussions with some PPM MPs on political issues and had received the green signal to discuss the invitation.
“Some have already asked us to start those discussions,” Hassan said.
Referring to earlier talks with the PPM, Hassan said:
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The discussions have been going on for about three months
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However, the PPM faced difficulties in making the most desirable decisions due to the obstacles faced by Yameen in jail
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While the party is facing the brunt of Yameen's imprisonment, the party's ordinary members should not be disappointed and believe that they can overcome this difficult situation.
“If we two halves, namely the Democrats and PPM ordinary members, work together, we can defeat this government of President Solih much easier,” Hassan said, noting that supporters of the two parties in rural areas are trying to defeat the government together in various ways.
