'MUO has isolated President Yameen' says MDP chair
President Yameen has become politically isolated, says Latheef
Hassan Latheef won MDP's chair election on April 10
The newly elected chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Hassan Latheef has said that President Abdulla Yameen's administration "has weakened" because of the work being done by the opposition coalition, Maldives United Opposition (MUO).
Speaking to RaajjeMV on Wednesday, Latheef said that President Yameen's administration "has weakened, as never before" because of MUO's work.
Noting that a number of former senior officials of President Yameen's administration are now with MUO, Latheef emphasized that "he has now become politically isolated."
"From what I see, President Yameen's administration has weakened, and as this was done by MUO's work, it is important to sustain the coalition," said Latheef.
Latheef emphasized that, despite being elected chair, that he has no role in deciding how to overthrow the government, within the law, adding that "that sort of political decisions will be taken under the direct supervision" of the party leader, former President Mohamed Nasheed.
Formed in June 1, 2016, the Maldives United Opposition consists of representatives of opposition parties- MDP and Adhaalath Party- and prominent political figures, "forging a common agenda for the restoration of democracy in the country."
MDP leader, ex-President Nasheed (center) with members of MUO
Following the various controversies that led to the postponement of the Local Council Elections, twice, Adhaalath Party had announced that it will boycott the council elections. This means that representatives from MUO will not be contesting in the elections.
While MUO has also formed a shadow cabinet, its president is Mohamed Jameel Ahmed, running mate and first vice president of President Abdulla Yameen. MDP's leader, former President Nasheed is an advisor to the MUO.
The local council elections, initially scheduled for January 2017, was postponed by two months under a Civil Court order. President Yameen's faction of the divided ruling party, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had filed a case at court, seeking to delay the elections, claiming it was unable to prepare due to internal conflicts.
