Maldivian Peoples Party
Encyclopedia
The Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP, Maldivian Peoples Party) is a political party
, of the Maldives
. On June 2, 2005, the country's 50-member parliament voted unanimously to allow and operate political parties in Maldives. The DRP subsequently submitted its registration on July 21, 2005 and was registered to be the second political party
registered in the Second Republic of the Maldives. The party's leader is Ahmed Thasmeen Ali
, preceded by former President of the Maldives
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
who was defeated in the October 2008 presidential elections - the first multi-party election of Maldives
by Mohamed Nasheed
of the Maldivian Democratic Party
.
DRP has the second largest number of members among all political parties in the Maldives. At the first multi-party parliamentary elections in the Maldives, on May 9, 2009, the DRP won 36% of the seats which is 28 out of the 77 seats in the parliament becoming the party to win the most number of seats. However, DRP gained the second most number of votes with 27.5% of the votes (39,399 votes) compared with the 35.3% of votes (50,562 votes) gained by the Maldivian Democratic Party
.
At present DRP is the largest opposition in the Parliament, Peoples Majlis. The Chief Whip for the party in the Majlis is also Mr. Ahmed Thasmeen Ali
, the Leader of the party.
On January 25, 2010, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom announced he will not contest in the presidential election and for DRP leadership any more. DRP leader said he will be leading a quiet life away from volatile politics but assured he will remain as a member of the party to serve it.
After disobeying the party leadership and creating internal division, the top body of the party unanimously decided to sack Deputy Leader Umar Naseer. However, Elder Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
ruled out the decision and finally at a rally held by the party, Mr.Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
asked for unity in the leadership. Mr. Gayyoom has now taken away the support he had given to Leader Thasmeen. Its now rumourd that Gayyoom wants to make another new political party of his own and he wants to take part in 2013's Presidential Election.
According to the party's literature, The objectives of DRP are:
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
, of the Maldives
Maldives
The Maldives , , officially Republic of Maldives , also referred to as the Maldive Islands, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean formed by a double chain of twenty-six atolls oriented north-south off India's Lakshadweep islands, between Minicoy Island and...
. On June 2, 2005, the country's 50-member parliament voted unanimously to allow and operate political parties in Maldives. The DRP subsequently submitted its registration on July 21, 2005 and was registered to be the second political party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
registered in the Second Republic of the Maldives. The party's leader is Ahmed Thasmeen Ali
Ahmed Thasmeen Ali
Ahmed Thasmeen Ali ތަސްމީން is the Leader of Dhivehi Rayyithunge PartyHis first Cabinet portfolio was Minister of Home Affairs, during his tenure as Minister of Home Affairs he embarked on recruiting new police personnel. He did introduce Jail reform activities with the help from Western Australia...
, preceded by former President of the Maldives
President of the Maldives
The President of the Maldives is the Head of State and Head of Government and first citizen of the Republic of Maldives and the Supreme Commander of the Maldivian armed forces.The current President of the Republic of Maldives is Mohamed Nasheed....
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was President of the Maldives from 1978 to 2008. After serving as Minister of Transport, he was nominated as President by the Majlis of the Maldives and succeeded Ibrahim Nasir on November 11, 1978. He eventually became the longest-ruling head of government in Asia...
who was defeated in the October 2008 presidential elections - the first multi-party election of Maldives
Maldives
The Maldives , , officially Republic of Maldives , also referred to as the Maldive Islands, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean formed by a double chain of twenty-six atolls oriented north-south off India's Lakshadweep islands, between Minicoy Island and...
by Mohamed Nasheed
Mohamed Nasheed
Mohamed Nasheed is a Maldivian politician. He is the current President of the Maldives. He is the founder of the Maldivian Democratic Party and was its presidential candidate in the October 2008 presidential election, defeating long-time President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in a second round of voting...
of the Maldivian Democratic Party
Maldivian Democratic Party
The Maldivian Democratic Party is the ruling political party in power of the Maldives. It is a liberal party with its stated goal being the promotion of human rights and democracy in the Maldives. This party won the first ever multi-party elections in the Maldives...
.
DRP has the second largest number of members among all political parties in the Maldives. At the first multi-party parliamentary elections in the Maldives, on May 9, 2009, the DRP won 36% of the seats which is 28 out of the 77 seats in the parliament becoming the party to win the most number of seats. However, DRP gained the second most number of votes with 27.5% of the votes (39,399 votes) compared with the 35.3% of votes (50,562 votes) gained by the Maldivian Democratic Party
Maldivian Democratic Party
The Maldivian Democratic Party is the ruling political party in power of the Maldives. It is a liberal party with its stated goal being the promotion of human rights and democracy in the Maldives. This party won the first ever multi-party elections in the Maldives...
.
At present DRP is the largest opposition in the Parliament, Peoples Majlis. The Chief Whip for the party in the Majlis is also Mr. Ahmed Thasmeen Ali
Ahmed Thasmeen Ali
Ahmed Thasmeen Ali ތަސްމީން is the Leader of Dhivehi Rayyithunge PartyHis first Cabinet portfolio was Minister of Home Affairs, during his tenure as Minister of Home Affairs he embarked on recruiting new police personnel. He did introduce Jail reform activities with the help from Western Australia...
, the Leader of the party.
On January 25, 2010, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom announced he will not contest in the presidential election and for DRP leadership any more. DRP leader said he will be leading a quiet life away from volatile politics but assured he will remain as a member of the party to serve it.
After disobeying the party leadership and creating internal division, the top body of the party unanimously decided to sack Deputy Leader Umar Naseer. However, Elder Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was President of the Maldives from 1978 to 2008. After serving as Minister of Transport, he was nominated as President by the Majlis of the Maldives and succeeded Ibrahim Nasir on November 11, 1978. He eventually became the longest-ruling head of government in Asia...
ruled out the decision and finally at a rally held by the party, Mr.Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was President of the Maldives from 1978 to 2008. After serving as Minister of Transport, he was nominated as President by the Majlis of the Maldives and succeeded Ibrahim Nasir on November 11, 1978. He eventually became the longest-ruling head of government in Asia...
asked for unity in the leadership. Mr. Gayyoom has now taken away the support he had given to Leader Thasmeen. Its now rumourd that Gayyoom wants to make another new political party of his own and he wants to take part in 2013's Presidential Election.
Deputy Leaders
- Umar Naseer (Expelled)
- Ilham Ahmed (Resigned and left the Party too)
- Ali Waheed (Resigned and left the Party)
- Ibrahim Shareef
Platform
DRP = Dhivehi Rayyithunge PartyAccording to the party's literature, The objectives of DRP are:
- Strengthening and protecting the existing bonds of Islamic unity.
- Grooming a new generation of well-disciplined and talented youths who will carry the mantle of national progress, in the years ahead.
- Upholding justice.
- Modeling the Maldivian society to reflect the aspirations of the people.
- Protecting the Maldives from detrimental external influences.
- Facilitating easy access to basic services such as housing, education and healthcare for every citizen.
- Introducing a new generation of youthful leaders with the vision to fashion domestic affairs in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
- Creating a service-oriented population working steadfastly to promote the wellbeing of the people.