Solih welcomes Democrats rejoining MDP but omits Nasheed name

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Thursday welcomed the decision by members of The Democrats to return to the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Solih, who previously served as President under the MDP banner, made the remarks in a post on X. Although he did not mention former President Mohamed Nasheed by name, his statement comes in the wake of Nasheed and several members of The Democrats announcing their return to the party.

“I welcome the decision of The Democrats to join the MDP,” Solih wrote.

Nasheed, who previously held the post of MDP President, left the party in 2023 after disagreements with Solih. The dispute between the two leaders culminated in a contested MDP presidential primary, after which Nasheed formed The Democrats and campaigned separately during the presidential election.

In addition to welcoming The Democrats, Solih urged the public to uphold Islamic values, support democratic governance, and prioritise the collective interest of the people.

He concluded his post with a short poem that encouraged persistence and national responsibility:

“The obstacles and countless difficulties, start to overcome without hesitation. Follow the national appeals kindly, always have the courage to cut a new path.”

The MDP’s National Assembly held a special meeting on Wednesday and agreed to welcome Nasheed and returning members of The Democrats. Party leaders have stated that the return will strengthen efforts to address current political developments.