Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has said that discussions were held with coalition partner Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), before selecting President Abdulla Yameen’s running mate for the 2018 presidential elections.

PPM, on Saturday night, announced former Islamic minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed as the incumbent president’s running mate in his bid for a second term in office.

Following the announcement PPM held a press conference, where its deputy leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla stressed that the party had held discussions with MDA’s leader Ahmed Siyam regarding the matter. He added that President Yameen had told them this, at a party council meeting.

“President [Yameen] said that before proposing the name to the council, he had discussed the matter with MDA leader Ahmed Siyam. So, I believe the senior most officials have deliberated on the matter. (Shaheem)’s name was proposed to the council as the presidential candidate has the option to choose [their] running mate”, said Raheem.

Noting that the President “had given this a lot of thought”, Raheem added that this includes the possible issues that might arise during the elections.

He also noted that President Yameen’s decision to choose Shaheem as his running mate does not mean that he does not trust his current vice, Abdulla Jihad. Rather, he said that PPM always pays attention to “the time and situation” before making such decisions, and added that the President feels like Shaheem is the best person for the job.