Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has revealed that the joint opposition had already begun talks to establish a unity Government.

He made the statement in a speech delivered to the joint opposition rally held on Thursday night in Maamigili island in Alif Dhaal Atoll, read out by daughter and Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) Council Member Yumna Maumoon.

In his speech, President Maumoon revealed that talks for a unity Government were already underway, adding that it will be a success soon.

President Maumoon added that the work being carried out by the joint opposition was a national mandate; to renew Maldives back to democracy, ensure voices are heard in the Parliament, curb widespread graft and corruption and establish justice in the society.

The former President shot down claims that the opposition lacked cohesion. He said that the opposition was united and that opponents of the joint parties cannot even hope to negatively impact on this unity. In this vein, the former President thanked former President and Maldivian Democratic Party Leader Mohamed Nasheed, Jumhooree Party Leader Qasim Ibrahim and Adhaalath Party Leader Sheikh Imran Abdullah for their unwavering support to the movement. He also called for jailed former Defense Minister Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim and Dhiggaru Constituency MP Ahmed Faris Maumoon.