In a significant political development, the opposition coalition comprising the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the People’s National Congress (PNC), along with The Democrats, a newly formed political party led by former MDP president Mohamed Nasheed, have announced an alliance with the shared objective of ending President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s government.
Both parties have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs under President Solih’s administration and have pledged to collaborate closely to bring about the desired change. The Democrats have already made it clear that they will take to the streets alongside the opposition PPM to express their discontent.
Representatives from both parties held their first formal discussion on Sunday at Nasheed’s Ocean Library in Male, following which they addressed reporters, underscoring their commitment to working together to determine the necessary steps to end President Solih’s tenure.
“We have initiated the process of removing [President Solih]. Today is an incredibly historic day. With the PPM/PNC and The Democrats, we will forge ahead,” stated Ahmed Shiyam, Naifaru MP and PPM Vice President.
The Democrats voiced their concerns about the government’s current approach and expressed their readiness to collaborate with the PPM/PNC in taking the necessary actions to effect change.
“We, The Democrats, have begun discussions to explore the joint measures required to oust the government of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih,” stated Ali Azim, Henveiru Central MP.
To facilitate further negotiations, a committee comprising representatives from both parties has been established, signaling a tangible commitment to their alliance.
The Democrats will be represented by:
- Ali Azim
- Hassan Latheef, Henveiru West MP
- Eva Abdulla, Galolhu North MP
- Hussain Amr, Former STO Managing Director
The PPM will be represented by:
- Ahmed Shiyam
- Ahmed Thorig, Mahibadhoo MP
- Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Faresmathoda MP
- Mohamed Hussain Shareef, PPM senator
- Ibrahim Shujau, PNC Vice President
Despite the newly formed alliance, The Democrats and the PPM affirmed their intention to nominate their own candidates for the upcoming presidential election. The PPM’s candidate, former President Abdulla Yameen, is currently serving a jail sentence, while Nasheed has yet to formally announce his candidacy.
When questioned about the possibility of altering their stance for the upcoming election, Shiyam clarified that the PPM/PNC would field Yameen as its candidate, emphasizing that the party’s principles for candidate selection would remain unchanged.
“We will collaborate on the areas we agree upon. Currently, our foremost objective is to remove President Solih. The extent to which we can work with The Democrats to achieve this objective is something we recognize,” Shiyam stated.
Azim did not provide a definitive response regarding The Democrats’ position on the matter. He emphasized that the party was prepared to undertake any necessary actions to remove President Solih from power, but it would adhere to the principles agreed upon by the party.
