Siyam decides against contesting 2023 presidential election

Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) has decided against contesting the upcoming presidential election, and joining a coalition instead.

At MDA’s national council meeting Wednesday, the party’s leader, Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed announced he has decided to withdraw his candidacy for the presidential election in light of current economic and political circumstances.

 MDA’s deputy leader Ali Mauroof told Sun that Siyam made the decision following thorough consideration of political, economic and other circumstances, because he believes it best not to contest the election at this time.

Mauroof said that all members who attended Wednesday’s meeting supported Siyam’s decision.

The council also decided MDA will join a coalition for the election. However, the party has yet to decide which coalition it will join.

Mauroof said MDA has received an invitation from President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and that Siyam is also being approached by other parties.

The council decided Wednesday to form a special committee to review the invitations and make a decision on which coalition the party will join.

MDA is set to hold a meeting of its national council again on Friday, and during which it is expected to make additional decisions regarding the election.