Unity among coalition leaders is strong, reaffirms Nadira
Nadira said there has been minimal discord amongst the leadership
Aminath Nadira speaking at RaajjeTV\'s Fala-Surukhee program on Sunday, 25th November, 2018
The four leaders of the coalition that forms the current Maldivian government remains united and committed to their goals, affirms Maumoon Reform Movement member Aminath Nadira.
Nadira, a close associate of coalition leader and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, said during an interview with RaajjeTV on Sunday night that there has been minimal discord amongst the leadership.
“I have yet to see either of the four leaders strongly disagree, or act in a way that undermines the other. They have worked together closely, and to my understanding, continue to do so” Nadira said.
Having said this, Nadira highlighted how the coalition has previously worked together despite the differences in their ideologies and that this will not ‘stop the coalition from serving the people that elected it’.
Reports of disagreement between parties in the coalition – the Maldivian Democratic Party, the Jumhooree Party, the Adhaalath Party, and the Maumoon Reform Movement – existed ever since they entered into agreement in 2017 and have intensified since President Ibrahim Solih took office this November 17th.
Critics claim an ‘imbalance of power’, with several cabinet positions – including that of vice president – being given to the Jumhooree Party, of which the leader is currently parliament speaker and a member of the judicial watchdog, the Judicial Services Commission.
Recent unconfirmed reports say that former president Gayoom has refused to sign an agreement between coalition leaders that aims to uphold the common goals they share even if the coalition is disbanded. Other reports say that there is disagreement amongst them on how parliamentary constituencies should be divided up for the upcoming People's Majlis elections.
The parties entered into agreement in 2017, united in opposition against former president Abdulla Yameen's reported 'corruption and consolidation of power'. The parties have pledged to uphold a 'unity' government and put forth a joint manifesto ahead of September's polls.
