Major opposition sides begin discussions on forming league against government

The major five opposition parties in the Maldives have come together to start a discussion forum on forming a league against the government, saying that it is the first step in defeating the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in the upcoming 2013 presidential elections.

Divehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), Qawmee Party (QP), Jumhooree Party (JP) and Adhaalath Party (AP) sat in the round-table discussion forum. Representatives from these parties held a joint press conference yesterday, and said that though they had not yet come to terms on a coalition, they would assure the people of cooperation and assistance among themselves in changing the government.

“To bring to an end to this regime, we shall utilize any help, even if it be something as far-fetched as a help from within MDP”, said Ibrahim Shareef, Deputy Leader of DRP.

Imran Abdullah, President of Adhaalath Party said that major opposition parties expressing willingness to work together to protect national and religious interests against government policies after three years of MDP’s rule is the beginning of a huge movement.

“Yes, we will defeat this government. When we shall do that, and how we can form a coalition to do that is a matter to be decided later. However, all of us have the common goal of getting this nation rid of the current regime”, said Imran.

Interim Vice President Umar Naseer of PPM also vowed that his party would make any compromises in order to work in cooperation with other opposition sides in order to protect the nation and people.