The National Council of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has passed to participate in the government’s discussions with opposition parties, without its leader former President Mohamed Nasheed.
This has been confirmed to Sun Online by MDP Parliamentary Group Leader, Hinnavaru MP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
MDP said earlier that it would not engage in dialogue with the government without Nasheed.
This followed the government’s rejection of MDP’s request to include Nasheed in the discussions.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing between the government and Jumhooree Party (JP). Adhaalath Party (AP), similar to MDP, has demanded to include its leader Sheikh Imran Abdulla in the talks - which has been rejected by the government.
Nasheed is serving a 13-year prison sentence, and Imran is in police custody awaiting trial.
MDP has decided to bring up three issues during the meetings:
- Working together, within the boundaries of the law
- Working together to strengthen the constitutional and judicial systems
- Ensuring cooperation by all political parties in developmental efforts.
The government representatives attending the meetings are Minister of Tourism Ahmed Adeeb, Minister at the President’s Office Mohamed Hussain Shareef, and Minister of Environment Thorig Ibrahim.
The discussions follow a request by President Abdulla Yameen from opposition parties in May 2015, to engage in dialogue with the government to ensure peace and development.
The topics of discussion announced by the government are finding lawful solutions to the ongoing political unrest, consolidating democracy and strengthening the constitutional and judicial systems, and ensuring development and progress for the country.