Niyaz: Not Nasheed who will decide MDP representees for election talks

Ruling Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) member, Hulhumale’ MP Ali Niyaz has stated that the party’s presidential candidate will be the individual who will decide representatives from the party for discussions regarding this year’s presidential elections.

Niyaz made the remark in a tweet expressing concern over two representatives from MDP’s leader, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed holding discussions with Jumhoory Party (JP), allegedly on behalf of MDP.

West Henveiru MP Hassan Latheef and State Trading Organization’s (STO) Managing Director Hussain Amr were the representatives from Nasheed who took part in the meeting held last night at JP headquarters, M. Kunooz.

Enraged over the matter, President Solih’s brother, Ali Niyaz said the MDP’s National Council had vested all powers with respect to discussions regarding the presidential election on behalf of MDP to the party’s presidential candidate.

“Representatives from the party for the purpose will also be decided by the presidential candidate. Other parties are aware of this fact,” he said.

Nasheed, after losing MDP’s presidential ticket to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih 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.