Speaker of the Parliament and former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed has reiterated that an MDP-PPM coalition is necessary for the benefit of the country and MDP.
In a message sent to the Whatsapp Group of the main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)'s National Council, Nasheed said he wished to clarify his previous statements that he wished for a coalition between MDP and PPM. Nasheed said reform must be brought within PPM to form such a coalition, which includes letting go of its 'India Out' philosophy, and supporting the so-called 'Hisaan bill' which calls to criminalize hate crimes and labeling of persons as non-muslims. The party must also believe music is not prohibited in Islam, said Nasheed.
If these changes are brought within PPM, a coalition may be established between MDP and PPM to govern the country, said Nasheed. In this regard, it is best to seek former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom's assistance to achieve such a coalition, and such a decision would benefit the country and MDP itself, said Nasheed.
On July 13, Nasheed had said members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and opposing Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM) both share the same mindset. Nasheed said his only goal was 'saving the nation' and that MDP needs a new coalition to achieve the purpose. Nasheed's sentiments were publicized on the social media platform after Nasheed denounced political alignment with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in a series of Whatsapp messages sent to MDP's National Council Group earlier on Monday. In the messages, Nasheed said he no longer wishes to stand with the country's leaders "even if it meant he could never become the country's leader again". He wishes for a coalition with those with a moderate religious view, and he would partner up with the opposing PPM if needed, Nasheed had said. Noting that extremist views existed even within MDP, Nasheed said he would discuss such views with President Yameen and PPM.
