Maldives government hit by defections in Parliament
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Six lawmakers from the Maldives government have defected to work with the opposition in the party's first open split and a major challenge to President Yameen Abdul Gayoom's rule.
The ruling party is now split between factions led by Yameen and by his half-brother Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the autocratic former leader whose 30-year rule ended when the country became a democracy in 2008.
Lawmaker Faris Maumoon said Friday that lawmakers supporting his father Maumoon withdrew support for Yameen in the 85-member Parliament. He said the defecting lawmakers will work with the opposition to rectify recent reversals in democracy under Yameen.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The number of lawmakers supporting Yameen has dropped to 47 from 53. The combined opposition has 38 seats and Faris said more are expected to join.