The opposition must acknowledge and stand true to the will of the people, said MP Qasim Ibrahim in reference to the results of the local council elections.

At the joint opposition rally held at Kunooz – the Jumhooree Party’s primary rallying camp – Qasim said that all parliamentarians have a vested responsibility to do justice, adding that the results of the local council elections held in May, where opposition parties had garnered a clear majority, was proof of the trust the people have in the ‘reformist cause’.

“The people had expressed themselves, and chosen their allegiance. We know what they want, the local council elections had showed us this. We have a responsibility to them, to not back down” Qasim, who is also leader of the Jumhooree Party said.

In his speech, Qasim had also commended his reformist partners Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldivian Democratic Party and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of the Progressive Party of Maldives.

“There are no better people to be here with, no one more fitting to stand by with. Mohamed Nasheed is a true star among us and the fortitude former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has shown – especially during his advanced years – is truly commendable” he said in this regard.

Further, highlighting his decision to step out of the public-eye following the state’s decision to freeze acocunts belonging to his Villa Group in 2015, he said that ‘this time they will not be able to make [him] leave’.

In March, Qasim signed a landmark agreement with Nasheed and Gayoom along with Adhaalath Party leader Sheikh Imran Ali – who is serving a jail sentence and thus delivered his speech on Monday night through a proxy – in order to ensure reforms ‘demanded by the public’.

The four parties have dedicated themselves to ousting incumbent President Abdulla Yameen after widespread allegations of corruption and politicisation of independent institutions, and mismanaging public property – prompted namely by the vast graft case involving the state operated Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation and the government decision to sell Faafu atoll to Saudi Arabian royalty.

The wish of the joint coalition of political parties is to ensure a free and fair presidential election in 2018 where candidates of parties’ choosing will be allowed to contest. Furthermore, the joint coalition will work to establish the integrity of independent institutions, reverse unconstitutional and undemocratic laws, and secure freedom for all individuals who have been arrested, under investigation, on trial, or convicted of politically motivated charges, prevent political influence within security services and ensure the independence of the judiciary.

“Of contributing to the cause of nation building and development of society and individuals affecting lasting peace of the country” the agreement read.