The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) has decided to support common opposition Presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential elections next year. |
In making the announcement, SLMC leader Rauff Hakeem said that he will be resigning as Justice Minister of the ruling UPFA Government in order to back the opposition at the polls. The decision to back Sirisena was taken after days of discussions both as a party and with the two main candidates. A crucial discussion among the SLMC members was held last evening where the party attempted to reach a final decision after previous talks ended without a breakthrough. Some members of the SLMC were willing to back President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the election as he had agreed to address Muslim concerns but most of them wanted out, especially in light of the Aluthgama incidents this year. This was the second major Muslim political party to withdraw from the Government within two weeks and extend support to the opposition. Last week former Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen and his political party, the All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), announced they had also decided to support Maithripala Sirisena. |
SLMC for Maithri, Rauff resigns
Add Comments