People should be given a third option to vote for: Thasmeen

Leader of Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) Ahmed Thasmeen Ali has said that citizens should be given the opportunity to vote for something other than extremism and strictness, and called for harmony among all groups that support national unity.

Thasmeen said this at a press conference held at TVM today, to announce DRP’s decision to form a coalition with President Dr Mohamed Waheed for the upcoming presidential election.

Thasmeen noted that people showed in the last presidential election that they do not want the 30-year regime of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom reinstated, and thus elected former President Mohamed Nasheed, who also failed in his presidential duties – which means that the people should be given a third option at this year’s election.

“We believe that the people of the Maldives should be given the opportunity to vote for something other than extremism and strictness. DRP does not accept extremism or strictness. DRP supports moderate policies. We support national unity,” he said.

He said that if President Waheed and his supporters and DRP decide to contest in the presidential election, people may be denied ‘the true opportunity’ they deserve, and result in history being repeated.

Referring to the decision to form a coalition with President Waheed, Thasmeen said DRP had decided to prioritise national interest over the party’s interest.

He said that ‘it would not make sense’ for a president to become someone else’s running mate in the election.

Meanwhile, Gaumee Party and Adhaalath Party have also decided to enter into a coalition with President Waheed.