DRP did not win expected number of seats – DRP Leader

Dhivehi Rahyithunge Party (DRP) leader, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said he expected the party to win more seats in the historic parliamentary elections held on Saturday.

Speaking to media on Thursday from Male’ International Airport, on his return from India, he said his party was unable win the expected number of seats. He said there were many voting irregularities in various constituencies. As such the elections was not as free and fair as it should have been, former president who ruled the country for 3 decades said. In the campaign trail, DRP leader has said that his party was aiming to secure 60 seats in the parliament. He has said 60 parliamentary seats were imperative to the continued success.

When asked to comment on the planned demonstration by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) member Recco Moosa Manik and supporters, the former President declined to comment, saying that he does not wish to say anything on the subject.

President Gayoom visited India on 9 May to seek medical care for his wife former first lady Nasreena Ibrahim, after casting vote in the country’s first ever presidential elections. The historic election gave the main opposition party most number of seats in the new parliament formed under the revised constitution. DRP and its ally People’s Alliance (PA) were able to win 35 seats, just 4 seats short of securing a majority voting bloc in the parliament. The ruling party, MDP won 26 seats. Other parties forming the coalition government like Jumhoory Party (JP) and Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) also won seats. JP won one seat while DQP secured 2 seats. Independent candidates secured some 12 seats.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, DRP Deputy Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali said despite some minor issues in some constituencies, the election was generally free and fair. He attributed the success of DRP to ideals and policies of the party and the untiring efforts of party members and supporters. He said the election showed that the pulse of DRP was the pulse of the nation.

Large number DRP members and supporters greeted the former president on his arrival at Male’.