The government has congratulated Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for being elected as the presidential candidate for the opposition coalition and has renewed its invite to the negotiation table at the all-party talks.

In a press release on Sunday, Fisheries Minister Dr. Mohamed Shainee said the government welcomes Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s decision to back Solih for the presidential election.

“The Government believes that nominating an eligible candidate is a move forward in the path of democracy and towards holding free, fair, transparent and successful elections.”

Dr. Shainee, the government’s representative and chairperson of the all-party talks, expressed his hope that this development will create an opportunity for dialogue “in order to reconcile the political differences.”

“Noting the importance of mutual collaboration for free, fair, transparent and successful elections, I wish to renew the invitation of the Government for All-Party Talks once again, specifically with a view to facilitating the solution of any issues of concern and to pave a way forward for the elections.”

Dr. Shainee also called upon MDP to lift its boycott of the National Advisory Committee and to coordinate with the Elections Commission to ensure “a smooth electoral process.”

“It is the hope of the Government that all Parties will be able to sit together and reconcile the differences in the National interest, for a smooth free, fair and transparent Presidential election.”

The government invites the opposition parties to the all-party talks from time to time but there has been no significant development as a result.