Mauroof: MDP ‘used’ MDA without official agreement

Maldives Development Alliance (MDA)’s deputy leader Ali Mauroof says the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has “used” the party in the first round of the presidential election, without signing any kind of an official agreement.

MDA had joined a coalition with the MDP and backed its candidate, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the first round of the election. But the party’s council decided on Tuesday to endorse the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)-People’s National Congress (PNC)’s candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in the second round.

Mauroof told Sun on Thursday that the MDA’s council had given full authority to the party’s leader Ahmed Siyam Mohamed to make a decision on the presidential election.

He said the party decided to work with MDP because it had been seen as the best decision at the time, in light of discussions.

Mauroof said that there hadn’t been an official coalition agreement between MDA and MDP in the run up to the first round, but the party had an understanding with MDP and Adhaalath Party (AP).

“Despite the lack of an agreement, the MDA utilized all its resources for the campaign based on the understanding. But with the lack of agreement, there were questions within the party of MDA’s role in the administration,” he said.

Mauroof said the party had to consider the lack of agreement, and give further consideration following President Solih’s poor performance in the first round.

“Having to proceed without an agreement had been a great concern for the party’s council and leadership. Because we had to proceed with uncertainty as to what will happen to the party and the party’s members and the role of the party,” he said.

“Because of the lack of agreement, MDA believes the MDP used us.”

MDA formed a coalition with MDP and AP under an understanding for the three parties to work together.

Mauroof said that MDP had promised to form an official agreement once President Solih is re-elected, but the MDA was forced to dismantle the coalition because of the difference of opinion within the party over the lack of agreement.

“We had to divorce after such a loving relationship because of the lack of the promised agreement and the uncertainty regarding the future,” he said.

Mauroof said he found efforts by pro-government officials to distort the facts “regrettable.”