Nasheed’s faction holds additional meeting on drafting manifesto

Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) parliamentary group members who support the party’s leader, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed convened on Thursday night for discussions on drafting a manifesto for the upcoming presidential elections.

Members of Nasheed’s ‘Fikuregge Dhirun’ confirmed the meeting to Sun.

Nasheed, after losing MDP’s presidential ticket to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih who subsequently extended an invitation to the political parties in incumbent government coalition to take on the next election together, has refused to back the party’s presidential candidate.

Following his loss, Nasheed initiated discussions with Jumhoory Party (JP), the second largest party in the incumbent government, regarding forming a coalition; a successful effort.

After incepting the coalition in this regard, Nasheed’s Fikuregge Dhirun faction held the first round of discussions with JP on Wednesday night on drafting a joint manifesto for the upcoming presidential election.

West Henveiru MP Hassan Latheef from Nasheed’s faction said the meeting focused on discussions regarding how both parties can collaborate in the election.

Hassan Latheef said that one of the decisions made at the meeting was to draft a joint manifesto.

Therewith, it is likely Thursday night’s meeting between members of Nasheed’s faction had been to discuss their propositions for the joint manifesto.

Fikuregge Dhirun faction has reiterated they will not back President Solih for the election. Parliamentary members belonging to the faction have also begun working apart from MDP’s official parliamentary group.