President warns of possible coup d’état if MDP doesn’t secure Parliament majority

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has warned the opposition may attempt a coup d’état if Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) does not manage to secure a majority in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

The main ruling party, MDP is contesting for all parliamentary seats in the upcoming elections except for one – a decision which led to a rift between MDP and coalition partner – Jumhoory Party (JP) – which has announced an alliance with opposition parties – Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) – for the elections.

Speaking during a campaign event held for MDP’s candidate for the N. Velidhoo constituency last Saturday night, Solih stressed that the next legislative body of the Maldives should be made up of people who support MDP’s legislative agenda, Agenda 19.

He warned of a government shutdown and the makings of another major coup d’état if MDP does not manage to secure majority at the Parliament.

“A legitimately elected government having to face such an incident for the second time will push the nation back by several years. You need to consider this and it is imperative that you elect candidates who endorse the policies we have established to fulfil our pledges during the upcoming parliamentary elections,” said Solih.

The first MDP government – Former President Mohamed Nasheed’s government – fell with his resignation in face of mass demonstrations in Maldives in 2012.

MDP continues to maintain the events were a planned coup d’état, despite the presidential commission set up at the time to probe the case ruling it as a voluntary resignation.