3 ex-presidents name coalition ‘United Democratic Front’
The alliance was formed following a meeting last Friday involving former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and Solih.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Wednesday announced that the political movement formed by three former presidents to work jointly on national issues will operate under the name “United Democratic Front”.
The alliance was formed following a meeting last Friday involving former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and Solih.
Following the meeting, the three leaders confirmed that they had agreed to work together on issues including press freedom and government accountability.
The name of the coalition was announced by Solih during a campaign rally held in Hinnavaru for the Maldivian Democratic Party chairperson election.
Speaking at the rally, Solih said the alliance between the three former presidents would operate as the “United Democratic Front”.
“There is much greater work to be done for the nation. That is why President Nasheed, President Yameen, and I sat down together at the same table the other night. We have formed a coalition called the United Democratic Front,” Solih said.
Solih stated that the alliance was formed to address issues facing the country and work towards political change.
Nasheed and Solih are members of the MDP, while Yameen leads the People's National Front.
During the rally, Solih also urged Nasheed not to contest the MDP chairperson election and instead focus on the work of the new alliance.
Solih has endorsed Meekail Ahmed Naseem in the chairperson race.
Speaking about his support for Meekail, Solih said political parties should provide opportunities for younger leaders.
“I believe this is not an election President Nasheed should be contesting,” Solih said.
He added that his comments should not be interpreted as criticism of Nasheed or as an attempt to create divisions within the party.
Solih also referred to the long rule of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, stating that prolonged leadership limited opportunities for younger generations to enter politics.
“What we should be doing is the immediate work required to change this government. We must bring new blood into the party leadership and work together to bring changes to this country using our experience and lessons from the past,” Solih said.
He further stated that younger leaders develop experience only when they are given opportunities to lead.
