Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party
Leader	Ahmed Thasmeen Ali
Founded	July 21, 2005
Headquarters	Malé, Maldives
Ideology	Conservatism, Liberal conservatism
Website
www.drp.org.mv

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.^[1] 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.^{[2][verification needed]} 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.^{[citation needed]}

After disobeying the party leadership and creating internal division, the top body of the party unanimously decided to sack Deputy Leader Umar Naseer.^[3] However, Elder Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ruled out the decision ^[4] and finally at a rally held by the party, Mr.Maumoon Abdul Gayoom asked for unity in the leadership.^[5] 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 Party

According 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.

References

1. ^ [1]
2. ^ [2]
3. ^ [3]
4. ^ [4]
5. ^ [5]

• (Dhivehi) http://www.miadhu.com/2010/01/local-news/maumoon-to-resign-from-drp-leadership-today/ - "Former President Gayoom will not run for presidency or party leadership"

External links

• (Dhivehi) http://www.drp.org.mv - Official website