PPM could win the Presidential Election without forming a coalition: Gayoom

President of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that chances are high of PPM winning the Presidential Election alone, without forming a coalition.

Gayoom said at a press conference held at PPM Office today that PPM is an independent, big party; and that his wish is that the party’s presidential candidate contests in the election by himself, and wins the election.

“I believe that PPM has a great chance of winning the election by contesting in it by itself. What I’m saying is that PPM is a very independent, big party. The best thing for us would be that the party’s presidential candidate contests in the election alone and wins it. But considering the current political situation, if this is difficult or something that we may not be able to achieve, we are open to holding discussions with other parties to find solutions,” he said.

Gayoom said that regardless of who becomes the presidential candidate of PPM, the party would be open to holding discussions with other parties that are interested in forming a coalition.

The former president referred to opposition groups’ allegations that he is trying to establish a family government, and said that his intention is to work for the betterment of the country and that he would support the most capable person for the job becoming president.

“We are not interested in a person’s family. I consider a person’s competence and experience, and how much chance he has of being successful. What’s the problem, if the person turns out to be my younger brother, elder brother, or father? We want to serve the nation,” he said.

Today’s press conference was also attended by members of PPM Election Committee. Gayoom said that yesterday’s PPM Primary Election was well-arranged, and thanked them for their efforts.