Following the ruling by the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) that the power transfer on February 7 had been constitutional, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) yesterday has asked to partake in the present government.
MDP's request for a place in the government comes after months of political instability following the controversial resignation of the former President Mohamed Nasheed who accused that he was forced out of office in a "coup" backed by the security forces.
However, the CNI set up to probe the accusations had ruled that Nasheed had resigned on his own free will and hence the power transfer had been constitutional.
MDP put forward the request to join the government during yesterday's first sit-down of the "Leaders' Dialogue" initiated to seek political reconciliation.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting held late afternoon yesterday, MDP representative in the sit-down and Chairperson of the party Moosa 'Reeko' Manik explained that the MDP had made the request for a place in the government as the CNI's report had declared that the transfer of power was legitimate which would mean that it was still MDP's rule.
"If the current government is the one elected in 2008, it means that it still is a MDP government. Hence MDP must be in this government. We want to move forward with this government. I have made the request as such," Moosa streseed.
In addition, Moosa revealed that a request has also been made to determine whether MDP is the opposition or the ruling party in Parliament before the Parliament recommences for the next sitting.
Government representative in the discussions and Advisor to President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, Ahmed 'Topi' Thaufeeg welcomed the requests put forward by MDP. However, he added that the government would make a decision after consultation with President Waheed and the other parties of the coalition government.
Immediately after the then Vice President Waheed was sworn in to office, he had invited MDP to join his government. However, MDP had rebuffed the invitation citing that the government was in power through a "coup d etat."
Moderator of the Leader's Dialogue Ahmed Mujthaba revealed that all participants of the discussion had agreed to an agenda.
The five items on the agenda include, establishing a just rule, steps to be taken to strengthen democracy, dialogue, formation of a coalition government which includes MDP, the smooth functioning of Parliament and a course of action on the recommendations made in CNI's report and discussions on facilitating a free and fair election.
The next meeting of the Leaders Dialogue has been scheduled for the 12th of this month.
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