Adhaalath Party (AP) has accepted Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s invitation to form a coalition for the upcoming presidential election, and announced its support for MDP’s presidential candidate, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

“Because Adhaalath Party’s advisory council finds that under the current circumstances, the election of MDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election is in the best interest of the holy religion of Islam, the Maldives, and the Maldivian people, and because it is the most effective way the party can work to protect these interests,” said the party.

Following President Solih’s invitation, AP had initially decided to make its decision after discussions with MDP. The statement shows President Solih had accepted AP’s conditions, which included agreeing to get AP’s full input in compiling the presidential manifesto.

AP said it also considered its experience working with other political parties and the opportunities the party received in implementing its policies during previous administrations in making its decision.President Solih welcomed AP’s decision in a tweet shortly after the party announced its decision.

“I welcome and thank Adhaalath Party for its decision to partner with MDP for the 2023 presidential election. I wish for all of us to work together for a stable and happy tomorrow for Maldives,” he said.While AP has accepted President Solih’s invitation to form a coalition, the other existing coalition partners – Jumhoory Party (JP) and Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) have yet to make a decision.