MDP to hold presidential primary in May

Opposition, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has announced it will be holding the primary for 2018’s presidential election in May.

The announcement was made by Chairperson at MDP, Hassan Latheef in a press conference held at Marbel Hotel this Sunday.

Hassan said MDP wanted its candidate to be the presidential candidate for the opposition coalition.

He said application for MDP’s presidential primary will be opened in March.

“The primary will be held and a candidate chosen in May. Our target is to make our candidate the candidate for the opposition coalition,” said Hassan.

He also recommended a coalition government if the opposition candidate wins the election. He said the opposition coalition was engaged in negotiations to form a coalition government.

Hassan announced MDP will be competing at the presidential election with a candidate of its own if the opposition coalition fails to produce one sole candidate. But said MDP was committed to the opposition coalition producing one candidate until the last possible moment.

Hassan said the party will be establishing its manifesto and starting countrywide campaigning in January, and that they will be “well and truly ready when the presidential election comes”.

He also said MDP was ready to face President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom – who will be running for a second time – whether with their own candidate or the opposition coalition’s candidate.

“We are ready to beat President Yameen, with whichever candidate is available when the time comes,” said Hassan.

President Yameen is the only presidential candidate guaranteed to run for presidency in 2018, so far.