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Yameen: No issues with Siyam, will form coalition if necessary

PPM's leader, former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom speaks at a press conference on August 11, 2022. (Sun Photo/Mohamed Hayyan)

Underscoring that he has no issues with Maldives Development Alliance (MDA)’s president, Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed – Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) leader, former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated that he is ready to form a coalition with the party if necessary.

At the first press conference held by Yameen following his acquittal from a money laundering conviction last November – he had hinted of intention to form a coalition with additional political parties for the presidential election scheduled for next year,

During the press conference – a journalist had posed a question to Yameen inquiring about the possibilities of forming a coalition with MDA, the only party to remain in the government’s coalition from beginning to end during PPM’s administration. Responding to the question – Yameen said that if circumstances dictate that a coalition needs to be formed with MDA, it would be decided by the party’s senate.

“Siyam is my close acquaintance. So if circumstances dictate forming a coalition – we will not rule out MDA. If a coalition needs to be formed – it would be decided by the two parties’ senates,” he had said.

Progressive Party of Maldives’ (PPM) leader, former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom (L) with Maldives Development Alliance (MDA)’s president, Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed (R). (Sun Photo/Fayaz Moosa)

Underscoring that Siyam is his close friend – Yameen said that a coalition was not formed for 2018’s election as MDA did not wish to do so. He added that a coalition had not been formed between two parties since then.

“Siyam is my very personal close friend. Therewith, I have no objections regarding the matter,” he had said.

Although a coalition has not been formed with MDA at the moment – Yameen said that chances of forming a coalition for the second round of the election are extremely high.

“When the first round of the election ends, and it comes to the stage where a coalition needs to be formed,” he had said.

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