Jumhooree Party (JP) leader Qasim Ibrahim has said that the Maldivian people want the opposition coalition to field a common presidential candidate.

He said this after the opposition parties revealed their decision to field a presidential candidate from Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and a running mate from JP late Friday night.

In a tweet, Qasim said that his party is 'for the people and the security of the nation', adding that they will always abide by the United Nations and the European Union.

Also on Twitter, former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel lauded the opposition coalition for the decision, saying that it was for the security of the nation. He also expressed his hope that the opposition will work together to fulfill the hopes of the people.

Others have also taken to social media to express their approval of the decision, including South-Galolhu MP Ahmed Mahloof, who thanked opposition leaders Qasim, former President Mohamed Nasheed, former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, and Adhaalath Party leader Imran Abdulla.