Nasheed: Wiser for MDP not to contest for seats it may not win

Leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has questioned the wisdom of MDP contesting for all 87 parliamentary seats.

Speaking during the function last Sunday night to mark Thimarafushi MP Mohamed Musthafa joining MDP, Nasheed said it was not possible for MDP to win all 87 parliamentary seats.

He said it was wiser not to run for seats MDP isn’t likely to win.

Nasheed noted that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power with the support of a coalition and that the government is now run, not by an individual party, but by a coalition.

He said the leaders of the coalition have been discussing maintaining the coalition for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

“There has been some discussion over the number of parliamentary seats the parties will be contesting. No decision has been made yet,” said Nasheed.

He said the number of seats MDP will be running for will be decided by the party’s council. He said the decision will be announced to the public on November 30.

“Some people believe MDP should contest for all parliamentary seats. But it is clear to us all that we can estimate the number of seats MDP is likely to win,” said Nasheed.

Nasheed said it was wiser to back coalition candidates for seats MDP is unlikely to win.

But MDP should try to contest for as many seats as possible, said Nasheed.

“The opportunity to join MDP is open to all, including parliamentarians. Tickets for MDP candidates for the Parliamentary Elections 2019 will be assigned after primaries,” said Nasheed.