Maldives' opposition leaders meet for the first time

Maldives’ four opposition leaders, who played a major role in Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s election win, met for the first time on Thursday.

President-elect Solih and Vice President-elect Faisal Naseem also took part in the meeting with former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Mohamed Nasheed, Jumhooree Party’s Qasim Ibrahim and Adhaalath Party’s Sheikh Imran Abdulla.

Speaking to the media afterwards, Solih revealed that the opposition leaders have agreed to meet 'at least once a month'.

Solih further noted that they have reached an agreement on his cabinet, as well as to do “everything” to ensure that their coalition remains, while Naseem highlighted that they have agreed to carry their work in a way that ‘will not be a disappointment to the people’.

Former President Nasheed said that the new administration’s cabinet will comprise of people that the president-elect believes in and trusts, while keeping in mind that he was elected through a coalition.

JP leader and new parliament speaker, Qasim said that all four opposition leaders remain adamant in ensuring that the coalition remains intact, and to fulfill the needs of the Maldivian people.

In addition, Sheikh Imran emphasized that the four leaders will act as the highest counsel for the president-elect.

While sitting President Abdulla Yameen’s administration has been accused of various unlawful activities, former President Maumoon noted that he does not wish the country to backtrack to this and that the opposition leaders will ensure this.

This is the first time the opposition leaders met face to face since forming an alliance to 'legally' oust Yameen.