MDA: Dr. Shaheem is a suitable running mate for President Yameen

Islamic scholar Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed is a suitable running mate for incumbent President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom as he runs for a second term in office, says Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), expressing support for Yameen’s decision.

The ruling political party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s Council unanimously voted in support of Yameen’s decision to select Dr. Shaheem as his running mate, and announced its decision last Saturday night.

Speaking to “Sun” regarding the decision, deputy leader of MDA, which is aligned with PPM, Ali Mauroof said Yameen discusses the matter at length with MDA’s leader, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed before he made his decision. Mauroof said Yameen made the decision to select Dr. Shaheem as his running mate with Siyam’s input.

“MDA believes Dr. Shaheem is a suitable running mate. The leadership feels this way. Because he is moderate, courteous and has the love of the people,” said Mauroof.

Mauroof said a running needs to be able to win a lot of votes, and needs to be loyal to the President after election. He said Yameen selected Dr. Shaheem to be his running mate after considering all these factors, and that MDA respects his decision.

Deputy leader of PPM, MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla, during the press conference last Saturday night to introduce Dr. Shaheem as Yameen’s running mate, also said Yameen asked the PPM Council for its opinion after consulting with MDA’s leader, Siyam.

“He said he consulted with the leaders. So I believe he made his decision after consulting with the top leaders as well,” said Abdul Raheem.

Several local Islamic scholars have also expressed their support for Dr. Shaheem following the announcement on Saturday.