PPM-MDA coalition reportedly 'on the rocks' with Siyam missing from campaign events

Ahmed Siyam, leader of ruling party's coalition partner Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) has been notably missing from incumbent President Abdulla Yameen's re-election campaign.

Reports indicate that both parties are currently involved in a dispute.

While some MDA senior officials are seen at the President's campaign events, Siyam has been notably missing; he was not present at Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)'s ceremony to handover its presidential ticket as well.

RaajjeMV understands that Siyam had been out of the country for a long period and had only returned last week.

While speculation arose due to Siyam's absence from campaign activities, RaajjeMV understands that negotiations are ongoing to renew the parties' agreement.

While it has been days since MDA submitted its proposal, with conditions, PPM has been delaying a decision on the matter.

PPM's deputy leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla responded to these reports on Sunday, saying that the agreement between PPM and MDA is valid until the end of the year and that 'there is no reason to worry regarding its renewal'. He added that the agreement will stand until the 2018 presidential elections.

When reached for a comment by RaajjeMV, MDA's deputy Ali Mauroof said that "it is difficult to comment on this right now".

Back in December 2017, Siyam defended President Yameen saying that ‘claims of corruption are lies spread by the opposition’. Noting that he has worked with the President for over 25 years, Siyam said that the President has ' never asked his associates or those under him to partake in any acts of corruption or tyranny'.