PPM hints willingness to work with JP, Nasheed

The opposition coalition, composed of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), has hinted willingness to work together between a potential joint parliamentary group with Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leader Mohamed Nasheed’s faction and Jumhoory Party (JP) on issues of mutual concern.

JP, which is part of the current coalition government, decided Tuesday it will not support President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for re-election, and will contest the upcoming election independently instead.

Speaking about JP’s decision, PPM’s deputy leader, Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam told Sun on Wednesday that it can only be accomplished if MDP MPs who no longer support President Solih distance themselves from MDP.

Shiyam said they will find it hard to officially work with the opposition while remaining members of MDP.

He said that both sides can, however, work together if they find common ground.

“We already find ourselves in agreement on certain issues at the Parliament. Therefore, we can work together with people who share the same vision and opinion with us on issues,” he said.

“Our party is open to working with anyone willing to work with us.”

The Parliament has 14 MPs aligned with Nasheed and three MPs from JP. The PPM-PNC coalition has 8 MPs.

President Solih continues to hold supermajority at the Parliament.