Maldives' opposition parties can never truly work together as their only motive was to overthrow the government and claim power, president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom insisted Sunday.
Speaking during the ceremony held by the government coalition partner Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) on Sunday to award party tickets to candidates contesting in the upcoming local council elections, president Yameen said the opposition's sole motive was power.
"They can only be on the same page to work against the government. But they cannot work together after that. Because everyone wants the presidency for themselves. So there's no way the state budget can accommodate three or four presidents in a single term. It simply cannot be done. So they can never truly work together," president said aiming heavy criticism at the opposition alliance.
President Yameen also said the only way for a coalition government to work was for the parties to share the same ideology and principles.
"If you want a successful coalition than the parties in the coalition must want the same things and work towards that," he added.
President further said the parties in a coalition must allow the main ruling party to implement its electoral pledges to the people.
"Everyone must accept that the government can only be run by a single party. Only one leader would have the final say. Even on a boat there are many crew members. But there can only be one captain. If there are two captains then the boat might take two courses," he said.
