Maldives Joint Opposition agrees to put forth MDP presidential candidate, with JP running mate
Presidential candidate will be decided my MDP
Leaders of jount opposition at an event held at Kunooz
After months of negotiations, Maldives’ opposition parties have agreed to put forward a presidential candidate from main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
The parties announced this via a statement issued on Friday night, as well as that the running mate will be from Jumhooree Party.
The decision was backed by Adhaalath Party and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, said the read out. The Joint opposition comprises of MDP, Jumhooree Party, Adhaalath Party and former President Maumoon’s faction of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).
The parties are yet announce any candidates.
The decision is followed by MDP's presidential candidate, former president Mohamed Nasheed's decision to turn down the party ticket, which he won with the support of over 40,000 members. It is believed MDP will amend its internal regulations during the party's extraordinary congress at Ukulhas island of Alif Alif atoll on Saturday, to pave way to put forward another presidential candidate. The current regulations state the party's presidential candidate will be elected via a primary held among party members.
Elections Commission had repeatedly warned MDP that Nasheed will not allowed to run, citing his jail sentence. The former president was sentenced to 13 years in prison on terror charges in March 2015.
Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the joint opposition's parliamentary leader is rumored to be the favourite candidate of MDP and the joint opposition.
The Joint Opposition’s decision comes amid reports of a rift within the opposition coalition.
