Supporters of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom have held discussions with Jumhooree Party on forging an alliance for the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Speaking with reporters after a meeting with Leader of Jumhooree Party Qasim Ibrahim, Parliamentary Group Leader of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Ahmed Nihan Hussein Manik said the meeting was the first stage and expressed confidence of showing a unified front for the parliamentary elections. Nihan said, in the current political atmosphere, Qasim Ibrahim holds the position of solving political problems and his assistance in the parliamentary elections could bring necessary solutions to the country.
The meeting was held in the wake of Qasim expressing willingness to work with other political parties, except Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), for the parliamentary elections. Qasim had accused MDP of casting Jumhooree Party aside, once they secured the presidency.
Qasim, who is also serving as the Speaker of Parliament, held discussions with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on proceeding in accordance with the coalition agreement, with no avail. He maintained Jumhooree Party will not hesitate in proceeding in accordance with the interests of the masses.