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Solih with MDP President Abdulla Shahid (R) and Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail (L). (Photo/MDP)

Solih urges MDP to prioritise council elections over presidential race

Several MDP figures have expressed interest in the 2028 presidential ticket, including party chairman Fayyaz and former president Nasheed.

5 days ago
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Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has called on the leadership of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to set aside current rivalry over the party’s 2028 presidential ticket and focus on securing a victory in the 2026 council elections.

Speaking during Raajje TV’s Fala Suruhee programme on Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of the MDP, Solih said the party’s immediate priority should be to strengthen unity and prepare for the upcoming local elections rather than engage in premature competition for the 2028 presidential nomination.

Solih, who has indicated interest in contesting the 2028 election in recent conversations with supporters, did not confirm whether he would stand in the MDP primary. When asked directly about his intention, he declined to give a clear response.

“That’s not a question to ask today,” he said. “Today is a time to reflect on the party’s 20 years and to welcome back those who have returned to work with us. We have the 2026 council elections ahead. That should be our focus.”

Solih said those currently pursuing the presidential ticket should defer their campaigns and prioritise the party’s chances in the council vote. He emphasised the need for collective effort to improve MDP’s electoral position.

Several MDP figures have already expressed interest in the 2028 presidential ticket, including current party chairman Fayyaz Ismail and former president Mohamed Nasheed, who rejoined the party earlier this week. In addition to them, other members are reportedly preparing for a potential bid.

Solih and Nasheed contested against each other in the MDP primary ahead of the 2023 presidential election, after which Nasheed left the party. Many within the MDP consider Nasheed’s departure a contributing factor to Solih’s loss in the general election.

Asked whether he harboured resentment towards Nasheed, Solih dismissed the notion and referred to a well-known quote attributed to Albert Einstein: “The weak will take revenge. The strong will forgive. The intelligent will ignore.”

Solih added, “President Nasheed knows I will not retaliate,” and said he welcomed the Democrats rejoining the MDP.

He revealed that following his election loss, there had been discussions between the MDP and Democrats about forming a coalition. However, he said he had supported the idea of full reintegration.

“When the idea was brought to me, I said from the start that I did not support a coalition. I believed the best way forward for the Democrats, the MDP, and the country was for them to return to the MDP,” he said.

Solih said he believes that with the reunification of the Democrats and MDP, the party could become stronger.

“We should not dwell on the past. The MDP has important work ahead,” he said.

Solih also criticised the current administration led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He claimed that the economic situation was manageable at the time of the government transition and that the present challenges are the result of poor decision-making.

According to Solih, the government either does not receive appropriate advice or fails to act on it.

Solih concluded by reiterating that the MDP should move forward in unity, focusing first on the 2026 council elections, rather than becoming preoccupied with internal competition for future presidential candidacy.

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