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Maldives rebuts rumours of First Lady "leading" ruling party

Aishath Mihna Nasih
01 February 2017, MVT 14:58
President Yameen and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim at a caremony. PHOTO:Nishan Ali/Mihaaru
Aishath Mihna Nasih
01 February 2017, MVT 14:58

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s faction of the divided ruling party Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) slammed circulating rumors that First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim is leading the party.

PPM's rebut comes in the wake of a statement released by PPM's leader and Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s faction late Tuesday, which alleged that the First Lady is leading PPM and condemned such actions.

The statement declared that “First Lady” is only a given title as a respect to the wife of the incumbent president, stating that it is unlawful to hand over the powers and authority of the party to any person unapproved by PPM's Congress and Council.

Recently, First Lady Fathimath has been active in the front lines of the ruling party.

The Deputy Leader and Funadhoo Constituency lawmaker of PPM, Abdul Raheem Abdulla responded to Mihaaru's inquiry regarding the issue, declaring that the First Lady works in her own office, campaigning for President Yameen as well as his party PPM.

According to Abdul Raheem, First lady Fathimath mainly works to increase the party's membership. Pointing out that there is no obstruction for a PPM member to work for the betterment of the party, he added that the First Lady collects membership forms and forwards them to PPM's Office rather than the Elections Commission.

Further criticising the comments in circulation, the lawmaker proclaimed that though some people cannot digest facts, Fathimath Ibrahim has proven to be the kindest and most gentle First Lady the Maldives has seen to date.

Moreover, the statement by Former President Maumoon's faction also accused the president's faction of concealing the truth of the party’s internal issues.

“PPM has a lot of internal issues. Majority of the party’s members wishes to stand with the elected leader by upholding the party’s charter whilst some others are promoting personal interests," read the statement.

 

 

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