After finishing third in last Saturday's presidential election, The Democrats selected a committee for negotiations with the main parties ahead of the September 30 run-off.
The Democrats' interim council formed the committee for talks before deciding whether to endorse one of the two candidates in the second round or to support neither of them. An eight-member committee was formed for the purpose.
Committee members
- Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb, Democrats presidential candidate
- Hussain Amr, running mate of Ilyas
- Henveiru Hulhagu MP Hassan Latheef, interim chairman of The Democrats
- Deputy Speaker of Parliament Eva Abdulla
- Former President's Office Minister Mohamed Shifaz
- Medhu Henveiru MP Ali Azim
- Noonu Atoll Council President Mohamed Basheer
- Mohamed Ansar
Basheer and Ansar were nominated after Vilufushi MP Hassan Afeef initially proposed a six-member committee. The committee was approved with the votes of 39 out of 56 members who attended the council meeting.
Concluding the meeting, Hassan Latheef said the council would be kept up to date on the committee's efforts.
Despite selecting a committee, most members who spoke during the council meeting declared that they would not back Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Speaking at a press conference later on Tuesday, Progressive Party of Maldives-People's National Congress (PPM-PNC) presidential candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said he was open to forming a coalition with The Democrats.
Asked if there was a possibility of working with Democrats leader former President Mohamed Nasheed despite the opposing political ideologies, Muizzu said all parties were welcome to join and that "the ball is in their court."
Muizzu did not directly address media reports about The Democrats demanding a public referendum on changing the system of government as a condition for the party's endorsement.
"The opportunity is open to all parties who want to work in line with our main policies and principles. This isn't the time to talk about the system, this is the day to talk about the presidential election," he said.
