Gayoom faction forms breakaway group in parliament
Eight ruling coalition MPs have formed a breakaway group in the People’s Majlis in what may be the first credible threat to President Abdulla Yameen’s majority at the parliament
28 Oct 2016, 9:00 AM
Eight ruling coalition MPs have formed a breakaway group in the People’s Majlis in what may be the first credible threat to President Abdulla Yameen’s majority at the parliament.
The eight, declaring loyalty to the president’s half brother and former president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, vowed Thursday to work with the opposition to rectify “evil laws” enacted by Yameen.
Promising protection, the MPs also urged judges and members of watchdog bodies to shake off executive influence.
The rival bloc, impelled by a civil war within the ruling Progressive Party of the Maldives, reduces Yameen’s parliamentary majority in the 85-member house, from 54 to 46. It is likely to boost opposition numbers to 38, just five short of a majority.
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