Parliamentary Group leader of Jumhooree Party (JP) and MP for Kimbidhoo constituency, Abdulla Riyaz, has said that there could be no circumstances where JP has to work with former President Abdulla Yameen.

MP Riyaz said this while speaking on PSM’s “Rajje Miadhu” program. He said that the next five years of work will be carried out with current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He reiterated that this is the official position of Jumhooree Party.

The Parliamentary Group leader of JP said that the elections for the 19th Parliamentary body of Maldives are around the corner. He said therefore that JP would seek a majority Parliament. He reiterated that any party would want the support of all parties and all leaders.

MP Riyaz said him wanting the support of all leaders does not however mean that he must in fact be working with them. He said that Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), the People's National Congress (PNC) and former President Yameen will go on to become the opposition in this administration. MP Riyaz also said that he believes that the coalition will be the ruling group in this administration. He further said that if the opposition conducts proper politics, there is no cause for the coalition to take things personally.

MP Riyaz also noted that any debate or discussion held at Parliament should be conducted irrespective of whether it is with opposition or ruling party. He noted that there should be no circumstance where there is no communication with any party or where tasks go incomplete.

Riyaz noted that Jumhooree Party leader Qasim Ibrahim is not only the party leader, but the current Speaker of Parliament. He said it is for these reasons that he believes that the support of PPM will also be significant in the proper conduct at Parliament. Riyaz also highlighted that support of PPM members are needed to simply pass a Bill at Parliament as well.

The Parliamentary Group leader of JP spoke in this regard and noted that the votes of at least 43 members are required in Parliament to pass a Bill. Riyaz said that, on several occasions,m the 43 votes would encompass PPM members at Parliament as well. He also noted that he cannot see JP currently forming a coalition with former President Abdulla Yameen.