The Democrats to hold positions in Dr. Muizzu's government: Hassan Latheef

The Democrat’s Leader Hassan Latheef said on Saturday that members of their party will hold various positions in President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government.

Responding to a question from a reporter at a press conference held by The Democrats on Saturday afternoon, Hassan stated that the party would be involved in the administration of Dr. Muizzu's government.

"Hopefully, we will be a part of the administration as well. Not only participating in discussions and consulting with the government, but also in the running of the government. This matter was discussed with this meaning previously,” he said.

"When it comes to governance, it means that The Democrats are in various positions in the government as well."

Dr. Muizzu, who will be sworn in as president on November 17, has mentioned in various interviews since his election victory that specific decisions regarding government positions for particular parties have not yet been made. However, he added that individuals nominated, possessing competence and adequate education, stand a chance to be appointed.

The President-elect decided to form a government that will not be burdensome and emphasized that educated and competent individuals will be appointed to these positions.

In a post on X on Sunday after Dr. Muizzu won the presidential election, Hassan said his party would be involved in the running of his government. However, he did not give further details.

The Democrats' candidate, Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb, who contested in the first round of the presidential election, secured the third-highest number of votes with a total of 15,000 votes. However, the party decided not to support any party in the second round. Despite this stance, some senior party leaders and members backed Dr. Muizzu in the second round.

The Democrats were formed by a group of people who had defected from the Maldives Democratic Party. Nasheed, who led the formation of The Democrats and joined the party in July, has since expressed interest in rejoining MDP.

The party has been advocating for a shift in the governance system in the Maldives, moving from the presidential system to the parliamentary system. Although efforts have been made within the parliament, most of the MDP members of parliament have been opposing this movement following the election. Last week, the party's national council decided not to allow for a change in the system.