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Siyam urges support for coalition to secure second term for Pres Solih

20 March 2023, MVT 08:37
Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed-MDA
20 March 2023, MVT 08:37

The Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) leader and Dhaalu atoll Meedhoo MP, Ahmed Siyam, on Saturday night requested his constituents to support the coalition with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in order to secure a second term for President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

He made the request while speaking to his constituents at a pre-Ramadan feast and explained to them why he chose to form a coalition with the incumbent government for the upcoming election. He then asked his supporters to help them win the election this year.

MDA Vice President Ali Mauroof said that the party is in discussions with different sectors to win the election for President Solih. For the nation and its citizens, he said, winning this election is crucial.

"He [Siyam] said that it was very important for the party to support the coalition," Mauroof explained.

"With the current circumstances, [Siyam] decided that this is not the most opportune moment to contest for presidency. So he decided to move forward in the national interest and do what's best for the nation."

According to Mauroof, the coalition agreement is currently under discussion. He added that he believes the agreement will give MDA better opportunities.

President Solih extended an invitation to all the political parties to hold discussions about forming a coalition ahead of the September 9 presidential election. So far, only the religiously conservative Adhaalath Party and MDA have agreed to join the President. The Jumhooree Party, which is part of the current government, has decided to contest separately, while former strongman Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom's Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) has yet to make a final decision.

Although MDP has extended an invitation to other parties to hold discussions, the party has been split since the January presidential primary. Former President and Speaker of the Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has reaffirmed time and time again that he will not back President Solih's bid for a second term.

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