The Democrats, Jumhooree Party (JP) and the Maldives National Party (MNP) have agreed to field a joint presidential candidate if the main opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) agrees.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed from the Democrats, JP leader Qasim Ibrahim and MNP President Mohamed Nazim held political talks at 1:00 pm today at the JP main campaign hall in Male'.
Qasim and Nazim had earlier announced to contest in the September 9 election. The Democrats had also decided to field a candidate after holding a party primary.
Briefing reporters after Wednesday's talks, Qasim said the three parties agreed to find a joint candidate for the opposition.
He highlighted that support from the largest opposition party PPM is crucial to field a joint candidate against President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
“We will hold discussions with PPM and MRM to see if we can come to an agreement. Our three parties want to field a single candidate for the presidential election,” Qasim said.
Nasheed, who recently left the ruling MDP, said all three parties agreed to nominate a candidate that could be agreed upon by all parties.
Dhangethi MP Nazim said the parties agreed to nominate a single candidate to end Solih's government because of the corruption and injustice.
When questioned whether three parties would field a joint candidate even if the PPM rejects the invitation, Qasim said the agreement was to find one candidate that all the parties could agree on.
PPM has not yet commented on the matter. Earlier, the PPM leadership called on all opposition parties to support the party's presidential candidate and former President Abdulla Yameen.
However, Yameen is serving an 11-year prison sentence. Yameen will not be able to contest if the sentence remains. The appeal against the verdict has come to a halt in the High Court as a judge is on leave.
