Ilyas says open to MDP tie up in runoff, but without corruption

The Democrats' presidential candidate Ilyas Labeeb said on Sunday that the party is open to a coalition with all parties including their rival MDP, but only if the ruling party eradicates corruption.

Provisional results show main opposition PPM-PNC's Dr Mohamed Muizz leading the polls with 46%, while President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih secured 39%. 

To win outright, a candidate needs more than 50% of the votes. From the preliminary results, it is certain that a runoff between the top two contenders will take place on September 30.

Many are now waiting to see which camp the Democrats, whose candidate Ilyas Labeeb won third place with 7% of the votes, will end up in the runoff. 

At a press conference held at The Democrats' headquarters at H. Maizandhoshuge, when asked by a journalist whether he would form a coalition with the PPM or the MDP, Ilyas said he had not yet decided to form an agreement with any party. However, the door is not yet closed, he said.

“When we talk to people, we will give priority to finding the best ways for Maldives and agreeing to what we believe,” he said.

Ilyas said many people are asking whether he will join another party in the second round.

“The answer of the people is very clear to us,” he said without giving details.

Ilyas said:

“We have not closed any doors and have not decided to talk to anyone,” he said.

Ilyas said the PPM's foreign policy is contrary to the Democrats' views and the MDP's corruption issues are also outside the Democrats' principles and rules.

“We can join the MDP, but they have to eradicate corruption first,” he said.

Ilyas said Nasheed has not yet asked him to move forward with a particular party. Therefore, if The Democrats decide to join another party, it will be a party decision, he said.