Joint Opposition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has received the support of Aishath Mamdhooha, a council member of government coalition partner Maldives Development Alliance (MDA).

Mamdhooha has publicized a photo of her with the opposition candidate on social media.

This comes at a time when relations between MDA leader Ahmed Siyam and President Abdulla Yameen are reported to have deteriorated, which might result in MDA leaving the coalition.

Mamdhooha told the media that she has decided to support opposition candidate Solih due to the numerous obstacles being placed in holding a free and fair presidential election.

She said that it was her personal decision to support Solih while being a council member of MDA and that she was not worried of any repercussions.

“The worst thing that could happen is that I would be dismissed as a councillor, right? I have no problem with being fired. I don’t want to obstruct the rights of numerous people.”

Mamdhooha, who is married to Bilehdhoo MP Ahmed Mubeen, said that her decision has not affected their relationship, adding that she was involved in politics even before marrying him.

Mamdhooha was one of the people who was arrested for protesting against then-President Mohamed Nasheed at the main airport after leaving Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). She was sentenced to be imprisoned for three months in 2016 which was later absolved for good behavior after her sentencing was postponed for three years.