PPM and MDP hold discussions with MDA on forming coalition

Main opposition party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), and main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have held discussions with Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) on forming coalition for this year’s presidential elections.

MDA’s President, Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, as he believed it was not favorable for him to contest in this year’s presidential election, submitted a resolution to a convening of the party’s National Council held on Thursday against the party contesting in the election.

All members who attended the meeting unanimously voted in favor of the party’s leader’s resolution, and decided to move forward by forming a coalition with another political party.

Opposition PPM-PNC coalition had sent a letter to MDA – expressing interest to form a coalition with the party. Subsequently, the leadership of both parties held a meeting on Thursday evening where they discussed a possible alliance.

Main ruling party, MDP, who also expressed interest to form a coalition with MDA, held discussions with the party on Thursday. MDP was represented by Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and Alifushi MP Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey) at the meeting.

MDA’s Deputy President Mauroof Ali, after concluding the meeting, reported that the party was content with the discussions that took place with both parties, while many inquiries had been clarified on both ends.

However, he stressed that MDA will decide on forming a coalition at a National Council meeting.

PNC’s Deputy Leader Ibrahim Shujau, briefing the press regarding the meeting with MDA, said the parties formed a successful coalition during the opposition leader, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s administration.

Another Deputy President of MDA, Aishath Rafiyya, said that MDA is ready to meet with any party that wishes to meet them.

She also stressed that governance without a coalition which includes MDA will be extremely difficult due to present political circumstances.