Purpose of the coalition is to save our country: President

President Dr Mohamed Waheed has said that the purpose of the decision by several political parties to form a coalition with him is not only to win the election, but also to save the country.

The president made this remark while speaking at a function held at Nasandhura Palace Hotel this afternoon to meet with the senior officials of the parties that have entered into a coalition with him.

The function was attended by senior officials of Gaumee Party, Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Adhaalath Party and the president’s Gaumee Ittihad Party (GIP).

Highlighting that there is not much time left for the presidential election, the president said that the parties in the coalition need to work hard together during the upcoming 15 weeks.

“The purpose of the coalition is to save our country, to work together to take our country to a strong, safe destination. The purpose isn’t only to win the election. It is our wish to ensure safety in our country and peaceful lives for our families. I believe that the decision to work together was made for this reason. I have also decided to work with you for this reason. God willing, this decision by all of us will greatly benefit our country. I’m confident that will be successful,” he said.

The president said that several groups worked very hard before an agreement could be reached to form a coalition. In this regard, he noted the efforts by Adhaalath Party President Sheikh Imran Abdullah and Gaumee Party Leader Dr Hassan Saeed.

He assured that he would not disappoint the members of the coalition and stand firm in working together.

“We have to work as a team. We have to become a brand. As it happened with the former government, the president should not represent one party. My running mate and I would work with everyone and every party,” he said.