DRP allies with Jumhooree Party for Kaashidhoo, PPM for Thimarafushi

Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Council has made the decision last night to support Jumhooree Party’s candidate in the Kaashidhoo by-election, and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s candidate in Thimarafushi by-election.

DRP Spokesperson Zeena Zahir told the press today that in the spirit of national unity, the party has made the decision to not contest in the Kaashidhoo and Thimarafushi by-elections; and to support Jumhooree Party’s candidate in the Kaashidhoo by-election and PPM’s candidate in Thimarafushi by-election.

“The Council has decided to support Abdulla Jabir of Jumhooree Party for Kaashidhoo, and Ahmed Shareef of PPM for Thimarafushi. This decision was made in the interest of national unity,” Zeena said.

The situation within the coalition heated up when both Jumhooree Party and PPM decided to contest in the Kaashidhoo by-election. Discussions have commenced within the coalition to resolve this issue.

Zeena said that the coalition had not agreed that one candidate will represent all coalition parties in the by-elections.

“Although several discussions took place within the coalition, it was not agreed that one candidate should represent the coalition in the two by-elections,” Zeena said.

She said that DRP plans to contest in the Hdh. Kumundhoo island council by-election and N. Maafaru by-election.

PPM also announced yesterday that they will contest in the upcoming Hdh. Kumundhoo island council by-election. DRP has not been successful in any recent by-elections.