Speaking to the press after their meeting which took place at Gasims home Maafannu Villa, the two said that they discussed Gasim's decision to contest for the post of the new parliament's speaker. Nasheed, who currently serves as the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's (MPD) interim president, said that talks are also being held within MDP to endorse Gasim for the post. However, he said that a final decision on the matter will be made by MDP's parliamentary group. "Our party will make a decision on the matter after discussing with the party members and our executive committee. Our discussion with Gasim tonight was very peaceful and friendly. So hopefully, we'll both see a positive outcome from this meeting," he said. Nasheed also said that no demands were made during their meeting and that he and Gasim have always been on friendly terms. There are many things that both Gasim's Jumhoory Party and his own party can agree on, he added. Former President and MDP's interim President Mohamed Nasheed speaks to the media after his meeting with MP Gasim Ibrahim on April 28, 2014. HAVEERU PHOTO / NASRULLAH SOLIH Regarding the meeting, Gasim said that the parliament members have a duty to work towards the benefit of the citizens and to make the government accountable and therefore, such talks are necessary in ensuring this. Gasim further said that Nasheed is a good friend of his and that it is normal for friends to meet up and have a chat. "I can arrange meetings with anyone, in my capacity as a parliament member, can't I? That's the beauty of democracy – that's what makes it so perfect. [Having a meeting] is no reason to hold a personal vendetta against me though," he said. When asked whether Gasim believes he will have the backing of the ruling coalition's main party Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM), Gasim said that President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had said that he would arrange a meeting with him soon. Nasheed had also backed Gasim by adding that "several PPM MPs will endorse Gasim." Jumhoory Party's leader, Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim speaking to the media after meeting with former President and MDP's interim President Mohamed Nasheed on April 28, 2014. HAVEERU PHOTO / NASRULLAH SOLIH Whilst Gasim has expressed interest on contesting for the post of parliament’s speaker, PPM had also announced its plan to nominate a candidate of its own for the post. However, some PPM MPs have already openly declared their support for Gasim. PPM MP Ahmed Mahloof had earlier said that he had vowed to back Gasim, if he decides to contest for the post. He added that MP Ahmed Nihan had also promised Gasim that he would have his backing. Gasim had previously served as the speaker of the constitutional assembly which drafted the new constitution in 2008. According to the constitution, a speaker and a deputy speaker of the parliament should be elected through a secret ballot in the first sitting held after the parliamentary election. The newly elected parliamentarians are to be inaugurated on May 28.