Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has stated the party has no intention of working with Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in a coalition, as the two parties hold very contrasting ideologies.
The statement was made by PPM after Speaker of Parliament and President of MDP Mohamed Nasheed expressed his intention to seek a coalition with the opposition PPM, as he can no longer work with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih politically. The speaker said he was ready to seek assistance from the leader of PPM, former President Abdulla Yameen to steer the country in the right direction.
Speaking at a press conference held to respond to the remarks by Nasheed, Vice President of PPM Ahmed Shiyam said the two parties have very contrasting ideologies which cannot be merged together. Shiyam said there is no reason for PPM to trust Nasheed and form a coalition with MDP, adding former President Yameen does not need to work with Nasheed and MDP to convey his and the party’s messages to the public.
Speaking on the remarks made by Nasheed regarding plans to change the system of governance, Shiyam said PPM has accepted the presidential system and governed the country under this system. He added PPM does not support Nasheed’s efforts to establish a parliamentary system of governance in the Maldives.
Speaker Nasheed had earlier called for a new alliance which does not call “India Out”, supports the bill on acts of hatred, does not label music as Haram and does not mock Islam and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He expressed belief most members of PPM and MDP support this stand.
Conflicts have broken out within the ruling MDP, with members split between President Solih and Speaker Nasheed. Meanwhile, the speaker has stated he would be MDP’s candidate if the presidential elections are to be held in 2023. However, he said efforts must begin at the parliament now to establish a parliamentary system before the election.