President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has welcomed the decision of the Adhaalath Party (AP) to form a coalition with the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for the upcoming presidential election.
In a statement, AP said the decision to form a coalition with MDP was made unanimously by the consultative council. The decision was taken by a majority vote from 38 out of 42 members at the party's consultative council meeting. President Solih welcomed the decision and urged everyone to work together for the prosperity of the nation.
Meanwhile, Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail, who is also the chairperson of MDP, also welcomed the decision, saying AP has remained firm with MDP for the advancement of the country despite the challenges and insults faced by both parties,
AP said the consultative council believes standing firmly with the government and MDP will widely facilitate promoting the Islamic beliefs in the country, adding the decision was made in the highest interest of the religion and the nation. AP said it also believes President Solih should be reelected for a second term. AP said it decided to support President Solih to maintain the independence and sovereignty of the country, promote friendship and unity among the people and give priority to Islamic principles and rules, transparency, upholding decentralisation system and social justice. AP also added that it will fully participate in the formulation of the manifesto, adding the decision was made taking into account the experience with various political parties in the past and the opportunities provided to implement the AP policies in various governments.
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 has also sent letters 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.