Independent MP for Dhaalu Meedhoo, Ahmed ‘Sun Travel’ Shiyam, was elected interim leader of the newly-formed Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) at an inaugural convention held in Male’ last night.
According to Shiyam’s Sun Online, 362 members attended the meeting at Traders Hotel, which was authorised to proceed by the Elections Commission (EC) after it had verified the attendance registry.
Under the regulations governing political parties, at least 300 members are required to attend an inaugural convention of a newly-formed political parties, while 3,000 signatures are needed to form the party.
The tourism magnate was elected interim leader with 335 votes out of 362 ballots cast.
Independent MP for Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo Ahmed Amir was elected as one of three interim deputy leaders, along with Ali Mauroof and Aishath Rafiyya.
In addition to the senior officials, 18 members were elected to the party’s interim council.
While orange was approved as the official colour of the party, members also passed the party’s logo, seal, manifesto and charter.
MDA becomes the 16th political party to be registered in the Maldives since 2005.
