Siyam-led MDA quits govt coalition

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has confirmed that the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA), led by Meedhoo MP Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, has left the government coalition.

Speaking at a press conference at the Presidential Palace on Saturday, President Muizzu stated that the People's National Congress (PNC) remains the only party currently aligned with the government. He attributed the MDA's departure to differences of opinion on certain issues but did not provide specific details.

“There were some differences of opinion on some issues,” the President said in response to a question on why the coalition ended.

The MDA, which supported President Muizzu in the second round of the 2023 presidential election after initially backing the then-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), had publicly expressed discontent with the coalition earlier this year. In February, MDA Vice President and Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas stated that the coalition could dissolve if agreements made between the parties were not upheld.

Abbas called on the government to honour the commitments agreed upon by President Muizzu and MDA leader Siyam Mohamed during the election campaign. He emphasised the support extended by the MDA and its leadership during the election, warning that failure to implement the agreement could lead to the party’s withdrawal.

President Muizzu also denied allegations that MVR 40 million was received from Siyam Mohamed to fund his presidential campaign.