The Elections Commission (EC), on Thursday, gave permission to the vice chair of the chamber of commerce Ismail Asif to form a new political party under the name Maldives Third Way Democrats (MTA).
Speaking to local media outlet Mihaaru, Asif stated that MTA's primary aim would be to become the ruling party.
Asif stated that although they are not an opposition party, they will closely monitor the activities of the current government. He added that MTA would collaborate with the government or criticize it, depending on the situation.
Although EC has authorized it's formation, MTD can only be officially registered after it attains 3000 members. Furthermore, the party must gain 10,000 members to qualify for government funds allocated for political parties.
While Asif had stated that prominent politicians would join MTA, Ahmed Adheeb, the former Vice President signed as the first member later the same day.
Asif has expressed hopes of seeing Adheeb within the MTA leadership.
Adheeb who is currently serving a 33-year prison sentence on counts of corruption and terrorism was transferred to house arrest earlier this week.
There are currently six political parties registered in Maldives. This includes Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Jumhooree Party (JP), Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Adhaalath Party and Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP).
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