The Maldives National Party (MNP) and the People’s National Congress/Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM-PNC) have officially declared a coalition ahead of the highly anticipated presidential runoff election slated for September 30.
Following the first round of presidential elections held on Saturday, where MNP secured 0.8% of the vote, the party has thrown its support behind the PNC’s candidate, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This unexpected alliance was unveiled during a joint press conference held by MNP and PPM-PNC representatives on Tuesday.
During the press conference, Mohamed Nazim, the leader of MNP, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that “dividing and distributing positions” is not in the nation’s best interest at this critical juncture. He stressed that the primary focus of both MNP and PNC/PPM is to secure a resounding victory in the upcoming runoff election, leaving no room for distractions.
Dr. Muizzu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that his commitment extends beyond words and into action. He assured the public that he would honor the agreement with MNP and work diligently to achieve their shared goal.
Abdul Raheem Abdulla, known as Adhurey and the leader of the PNC, shed light on the coalition deal, emphasizing that it is primarily centered on “conducting national work.” He reassured that the agreement does not involve making “great oaths and pledges,” highlighting a pragmatic approach to the partnership.
The announcement of this coalition has undoubtedly injected an element of unpredictability into the forthcoming runoff election. As both parties join forces to support Dr. Muizzu’s bid for the presidency, the political landscape in the Maldives continues to evolve, setting the stage for a fiercely contested runoff election.
