Adhaalath Party (AP) has decided to hold talks with the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) before deciding on joining the coalition for the presidential election. The decision was made at an emergency meeting of AP held on February 20.
AP said the leadership has decided to discuss with MDP before deciding on joining the coalition as the presidential candidate, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has requested the support. In response to the letter, AP said it has decided to consult with MDP before supporting the presidential candidate in reference to the positive experience of the current administration compared to the previous administrations.
The National Assembly of MDP has granted the power to discuss the formation of a coalition in the upcoming presidential election to President Solih. He also sent the letter to other coalition parties; Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) and Jumhooree Party (JP). However, the parties have yet to decide on the letter. JP will make important decisions on the presidential election at its national conference to be held from February 24-25.
No single political party has won 50% of the votes needed to secure the presidency without forming a coalition since the current constitution came into effect in 2008. President Solih has said that he intends to contest the upcoming presidential election with a coalition.