Highly  placed political sources told Asian Mirror that the All Ceylon Muslim Congress, led by Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, might support President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the forthcoming presidential election.

A senior spokesman of the party, who spoke to Asian Mirror on the condition of anonymity, said the party would announce its decision next week – probably on Monday or Tuesday.

However, ACMC member of the Eastern Provincial Council has agreed to accept the parliamentary seat which was vacated by former national list Parliamentarian A.H.M. Azwer.

Azwer has been appointed as an Advisor to the President on Media and Parliamentary Affairs.

This development, however, is an indication that the ACMC, led by Rishad Bathiudeen, will make a decision in favour of the ruling UPFA with regard to the presidential election.

A high profile meeting among the top rung leadership, which was scheduled to be held yesterday, was cancelled at the last moment. According to the sources of the party, a new date has not yet been fixed for the meeting. According to party sources, Bathiudeen was hesitant to join the common opposition as he was skeptical about the “strength” of the opposition coalition.

It was earlier speculated that Minister Bathiudeen’s party would extend its support to common candidate Maithripala Sirirsena with three members of his party, representing the Eastern Provincial Council, becoming independent.