President Yameen’s close associate backs candidate Solih

Hiyalee Mohamed Rasheed, a close political ally of President Abdulla Yameen, has announced his decision to support Joint Opposition presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Photos of him meeting with former President and opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed in Sri Lanka has also been publicized on social media.

Hiyalee Rasheed meeting with former President Mohamed Nasheed

Hiyalee has been working in the political sector for two years and was the registrar for the People’s Alliance before working with President Yameen in Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Hiyalee had also represented central-Hithadhoo in the last parliament and has received the national award for his contributions to the field of sports in 2014.

Hiyalee Rasheed with Joint Opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

Although he played an important role in getting President Yameen elected in 2013, he has not disclosed the reason behind backing Solih, the only candidate competing with President Yameen in this year’s elections.

RaajjeMV has confirmed that he announced his decision to support Solih after meeting with him. A close friend of Hiyalee told RaajjeMV that he announced his decision in order to empower more people to support Solih.