Six Independent Maldivian MPs Join Ruling PNC Party, Giving Government Supermajority

Six independent members who won seats in the recent Maldivian parliamentary elections have officially joined the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) party. The members include Dr. Anara Naeem (Huraa Constituency), Hassan Zareer (Mathiveri Constituency), Ahmed Zameer (Central Machangoalhi Constituency), Ahmed Riyaz (Thimarafushi Constituency), Yasin Abdulla (Naifaru Constituency), and Azim Abdul Azeez (Vilingili Constituency). "The six members signed up for the PNC in the presence of President Mohammed Muizzu on Tuesday," according to sources.

With the addition of these six members, the PNC now commands 72 seats in the 93-seat parliament. When combined with the support of the JP, MDA, and MNP parties, the pro-government members will total 76 seats. This gives the PNC-led coalition a 'super majority' of more than two-thirds in parliament, allowing them to make constitutional changes.

Why this matters: The move is seen as a strong endorsement of President Muizzu's pro-Beijing foreign policy. It consolidates the government's position in parliament and may enable constitutional amendments.

The six new PNC members had all previously been independents. Some, like Dr. Anara Naeem and Ahmed Zameer, were former PNC members who had left the party to contest as independents against the PNC's endorsed candidates. Others, like Ahmed Riyaz and Azim Abdul Azeez, are new to the party.

The decision of the six MPs to join the PNC comes shortly after the parliament passed an anti-defection bill, known as the Anti-Defection Act. The law prohibits MPs from crossing the floor to another party during their term. However, former Vice President of the Elections Commission, Ismail Habeeb, has raised questions about how the Act applies to members who joined a party before taking office, as in this case.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which had advocated restoring ties with India, won only 15 seats in the recent elections. The addition of the six independent MPs to the PNC is a blow to the MDP and cements the ruling party's hold on power. "This brings the total number of PNC seats to 76, which is a super majority that allows the party to make constitutional changes," noted one analyst.

Key Takeaways

• 6 independent Maldivian MPs joined ruling PNC party, giving it 72 seats.
• PNC-led coalition now has 76 seats, a 'super majority' for constitutional changes.
• Move seen as endorsement of President Muizzu's pro-Beijing foreign policy.
• Some new PNC members were former party members who contested as independents.
• Opposition MDP, which advocated India ties, won only 15 seats, weakening its position.