Political leaders fail to turn up for sit-down

As the sit-down among the parties to facilitate a stable environment in order to recommence the presently suspended Parliament was called for, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) had stressed that Ahmed Mujthaba, moderator of the All Party Roadmap Talks had failed. Hence at the time, the members called for a high level sit down of ‘influential’ politicians who can bring about a change. However as the discussions began today, the opposite was observed. Leaders of all the parties were not present.

As the discussions began at the President’s Office this morning, Jumhooree Party (JP) leader and Parliamentary group leader of the party Gasim Ibrahim participated from JP, the only member of the Dhivehi Qaumee Party (DQP) Parliamentary group and Party deputy President, Vilufushi MP Riyaz Rasheed participated on behalf of DQP while all other party representatives were of the Parliamentary group deputy leader level.

Vice-President Mohamed Waheed Deen participated in the discussions as a representative from President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik. Some participants of the discussions criticized the Parliament Speaker Abdulla Shahid as he had proposed the sit-down, but had not attended the discussions held this morning.

“Parliamentary group leaders of the so called big parties, Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) and MDP were absent. Their sincerity is in question here. The discussion was agreed to be held here (President’s Office) upon request from the Parliament Speaker. However, we did not see the Parliament Speaker either. But we know that he is concerned with the issue as the Parliament has been suspended. Hence I question the Speaker’s sincerity.” Gasim told reporters after the discussions.

Gasim added that he had participated in the sit-down upon invitation to the Parliamentary group leaders of the political parties. He had also called for the immediate resignation of the Speaker earlier today.

MDP Parliamentary group deputy leader MP Ali Waheed who had represented the party at the sit-down this morning had told Haveeru earlier that the present political strife in the country can be resolved with the assistance and cooperation of Parliamentary group leaders and "leading" political figures.
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