Civil Society Coalition holds discussions to present one presidential candidate

Civil Society Coalition has commenced discussions with the government coalition parties, to present one presidential candidate to represent the coalition at the election next year.

Vice President of the Civil Society Coalition Abdullah Mohamed said today that discussions had been held with Dr Mohamed Munavvar’s Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), and that MRM fully supports the idea.

He said that unofficial talks are underway between the coalition parties on this matter.

“The unofficial talks are held to facilitate official discussions. No party has said that they do not wish to participate in these talks,” Abdullah said.

He also said that preparations are underway to hold discussions this week with the two biggest parties, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP).

DRP Spokesperson Zeena Zahir said that the Civil Society Coalition’s invitation to participate in the discussions had been received by DRP, and that its Deputy Leader Ibrahim Shareef will represent DRP in these discussions.

PPM had also received the invitation, and said that a decision will be made after the matter is discussed in the party council meeting.

So far, DRP has announced that its Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali will contest in the presidential election, while Jumhooree Party has announced that its Leader Gasim Ibrahim will also contest in the election.

PPM has indicated that it will hold a primary election to elect a presidential candidate.

PPM Parliamentary Group Leader Abdullah Yameen has expressed interest to contest in the presidential election.