The Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), which had formed a coalition with the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) for the presidential election, has decided to shift its support to MDP's rival candidate, PPM-PNC's Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, for the second round of the election.
MDA made the decision to back Dr. Muizzu at its Council meeting held on Tuesday, with a majority of 33 members voting to break up the coalition. The specific reasons behind MDA's departure from the coalition remain unclear.
During the first round of the election, MDA's leader, Ahmed Siyam had accompanied President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on numerous campaign tours and expressed strong support for the president. However, following President Solih's second-place finish in the initial round, Siyam has been absent from campaign events held since then.
Currently, only Adhaalath Party remains in alliance with MDP for the election. Adhaalath Party has affirmed its commitment to stand by President Solih.
