The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) of ousted President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed has insisted that early polls be held and vowed to continue with the nightly protests until a date is announced for the election.
However, President Mohamed Waheed has said that, if an early date for elections is to be announced, then all parties should agree to sit down for discussions. While his predecessor too has welcomed the holding of discussions, he has not confirmed his participation in such talks.
Masood Imad, Media Secretary for the President's office, was quoted in the Maldivian newspaper Haveeru Daily’s online edition as saying yesterday that it was important to hold discussions to resolve the issues, rather than taking to the streets in protest.
“Election date can be finalised by dialogue. I think the MDP needs to be more civil in their conduct,” he has told the news agency.
The MDP held one of its last rallies in Male on Friday, which drew hundreds of people. Ex-President Nasheed who addressed his supporters, said that the international community had urged him to participate in the discussions, while adding that, he too believed in the importance of such dialogue. |
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