Maldives United Opposition, the new coalition forged by the opposition parties, has declared that it is formed under the purpose of removing President Yameen Abdul Gayoom from office before the end of his term and restore democracy, and that they will strive for the cause.
Speaking to journalist in Malé after wrapping up the coalition's meeting in London - where it had also revealed its shadow cabinet, the Maldives United Opposition's spokesperson and Parliamentarian for South Galolhu constituency Ahmed Mahloof said that the reconciliation of differences between opposition parties was due to the magnitude of the political situation in the Maldives, adding that “past setbacks” and “differences” would be put behind in order to be united against dictatorship.
The new Maldivian opposition-in-exile, in its articles of association has said it will strive for the “restoration of democracy and constitutional rule in the Maldives” and the “immediate removal of President Abdulla Yameen through all legal and lawful mechanisms,” establish a “transparent system to monitor public finances and safeguard the national treasury”, and protect the rights of 1,700 individuals currently under prosecution, investigation and arbitrary arrest. It calls for the “immediate restoration” of freedoms that “have been unconstitutionally suspended by the Maldivian government.”
Mahloof says that they will explore ways of legally preventing the Maldives’ continued slide into dictatorship and authoritarianism under President Abdulla Yameen, otherwise the country's outlook will become bleak.
He expressed concerns that at this rate, the rights of civilians would enter a point of no return, and the chances of ever seeing a 2018 presidential elections will be severely narrowed. Thus efforts are made by the coalition to ensure that democracy is restored that "even the common man can contest for presidency".
He pointed out that the coalition will surely face even more challenges - such as the recent revelation of former Vice-Presdient Dr. Jameel being allegedly involved in the forgery of an arrest warrant against President Yameen. He said that at this point, the scenario was clearly a ruse. However, he remained adamant that the coalition will strive on.
Dr Jameel, who was President Abdulla Yameen's running mate in the 2013 presidential election, has been appointed the Leader of Maldives United Opposition.
Other members of the shadow cabinet include MDP Chairperson Ali Waheed as Vice President, Former Foreign Minister Ahmed Naseem as Foreign Minister, Male’ Mayor Mohamed Shihab as Finance Minster, lawyer Hisaan Hassan as Judicial Reform Minister, Former DRP Leader Ahmed Thasmeen Ali as Minister of Home Affairs, Former Minister at the President’s Office Abdulla Ameen as Minister of Defence, Male’ Deputy Mayor Shifa Mohamed as Minister of Education, Former Minister of State for Defence Ahmed Mohamed as Minister of Housing, Former Housing Minister Mohamed Aslam as Minister of Waste Management, Former Youth Minister Mohamed Maleeh Jamal as Minister of Youth, Former Manager of STO Adam Azim as Minister of Trade. Other portfolios have also been included in the shadow cabinet.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed had also called on the international community to support the Maldives United Opposition and help settle matters in Maldives.