Presidential candidate of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) coalition, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that discussions are underway to form an alliance with The Democrats and that the "ball is in the party's court" to decide on the matter.
Although a coalition with "The Democrats" is important for the second round, the party is yet to make a decision. The Democrats are also talking to the government about a possible coalition. According to some sources, The Democrats stipulated major conditions for a coalition during the discussions with PPM/PNC.
Speaking to the press after signing the coalition agreement with the Maldives National Party (MNP), Dr. Muizzu said that "the ball is in their court" in response to a question about a possible coalition with The Democrats.
Dr. Muizzu said they are working to achieve "Dhiveheenge Rajje" [a Maldives that belongs to Maldivians] and that anyone who wants to be involved in this effort is welcome to join them.
Interim leader of PPM/PNC Abdul Raheem Abdulla said that while discussions about a coalition with The Democrats are ongoing, he did not want to talk about the conditions stipulated by the party yet. He said that even though an agreement have not yet been reached, he has hopes that there will be an agreement soon.
Abdul Raheem said former President Abdulla Yameen, the leader of PPM/PNC had advised them to form a coalition with anyone who is willing to work together to win the election. He said they are following this advice and conducting discussions with different parties.
While PPM/PNC has already signed a coalition agreement with the MNP, the party is talking with The Democrats, Jumhooree Party and Ahmed Faris Maumoon who contested in the first round as an independent candidate.