On several occasions, Fonseka had discussed with President Maithripala Sirisena on contesting the General election after arriving at an alliance with the UPFA.

However, he had decided that the DP would go solo after being dejected over former President Mahinda Rajapaksa being granted nominations from the UPFA.

He had also been invited to contest from the UNP and from the new party of Champika Ranawaka.