Presidents Office has stated that former President and MDP Leader Mohamed Nasheed and Adhaalath Party Leader Imran Abdullah cannot participate in the All Party Talks. Both have been sentenced to serve jail terms.
In a letter sent by the President's Office to the respective Parties, the Government informed of the decision. Additionally, the Government had also sent a letter to the Parties requesting to send the names of the representatives for the Party Talks.
Elections Commission (EC) has stated that due to a change in the political parties act, both Imran and Nasheed have been removed from teir position as Party Leaders. However, both Parties continue to see the two as the Party Leaders and replacements have not been appointed to the positions as well.
Both Parties had previously said the Talks will only proceed with the two Leaders, a request which the Government had objected to. However the Government had agreed to deliberate on reduced jail terms.
Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) had called on to restart the Talks without any preconditions. However, opposition Parties have called on to include the UN representative in the talks.
Fisheries Minister and Government lead in the Talks, Dr. Mohamed Shainee said it was not a prerequisite to have the representatives were vetted by the Party Council, adding that it was the opposition who were setting the prerequisites. Minister said it was vital that the representatives were vetted by the Council to ensure they represented the Party and interests.
