Alliance of ex-Presidents to hold first meeting tomorrow to draft roadmap for reforms

May 17, 2026, 11:43 AM
Maleeh, Eva, Bigey, Fayyaz, Saleem and Zariyand.

Maleeh, Eva, Bigey, Fayyaz, Saleem and Zariyand.

The first meeting to draft a "roadmap" for the newly formed alliance between three former Maldivian presidents—Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen, and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih—is scheduled for tomorrow. The coalition was established to oppose the current administration's actions.

Representing Nasheed at the meeting are former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Eva Abdulla. Solih’s representatives include former Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem and former Alifushi MP Mohamed Rasheed Hussain (Bigey). Yameen is represented by former Minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal and Ismail Zariyand, an independent candidate in the recent Male’ City mayoral election.

This committee is tasked with strategizing and executing activities as agreed upon by the three former leaders. This marks the first time such a collaborative committee has been formed to facilitate formal consultations between the three former presidents.

During a joint press conference held Friday night, the three leaders announced their decision to work together. However, they clarified that this alliance does not constitute a formal coalition for future presidential elections.

Expressing grave concern over the current state of the nation, the former presidents called for urgent reforms to address government misconduct and restore stability to the country.

In a joint statement, the leaders alleged that fundamental rights are being infringed upon and that executive influence over the judiciary has escalated significantly. Following their meeting, the three presidents committed to a unified effort for national reform.

A primary concern highlighted in the statement was the obstruction of press freedom, including the imprisonment and harassment of journalists. Describing ongoing trials against media personnel as politically motivated, the leaders called for an immediate halt to these proceedings and the unconditional release of detained journalists. 

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