Maldives ruling coalition leaders have discussed to hold an extraordinary parliament sitting.

Speaking to press after concluding the meeting with the four coalition leaders on Thursday evening, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated that the leaders had held a discussion on to hold a extraordinary parliament sitting as important bills for the government’s legislative agenda are “still pending.”

President Solih stated that a final decision will be reached after discussions with the parliamentarians.

“We discussed on holding a parliament sitting within January as deliberations on important bills that are needed for the progression of the government’s legislative agenda, are not going at an efficient pace” said President Solih.

The four leaders also discussed on other important matters such as fielding candidates from the coalition parties for the 2019 parliamentary elections. However, a they have yet to reach a decision on the matter.

President Solih stated that they will discuss the matter further.

Former President and leader of Maumoon Reform Movement (MRM), Maumoon Abdul Gayoom revealed that all four leaders remain steadfast to maintain the coalition’s efforts to work together as one, in order to uphold President Solih’s government.

“We will not let the coalition fall apart. We all remain with the president, to defend him and to support him” said Gayoom.

Main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s leader Mohamed Nasheed stressed on the vital importance of holding a monthly meeting with the coalition leaders to uphold political peace within the nation.

“The four coalition leaders will be holding these monthly meetings with the president. I believe these meetings pose of great importance for the political peace of the country” said Nasheed.

Leader of the Jumhooree Party and Parliament Speaker Qasim Ibrahim stated that he had tried his best to pass the bills important for the legislative agenda of the government during the past session before the Parliament went into recess

Adhaalath Party leader and Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla said that the coalition leaders sticking together to maintain President Solih’s government gives him joy, highlighting that this is what the citizens want as well.

On Wednesday, President Solih had expressed regret that the parliament had gone into recess without voting on important bills, such as empowering the two inquiry commissions, despite the government having majority in parliament.