Nasheed and Solih say differences will not divide them
Nasheed said that Solih had never been distant from him and that disagreements between them had not lasted long.
Former presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Wednesday that they would continue to work together despite differences that emerged during and after the last presidential election.
The two leaders met at the headquarters of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) at G. Niusha, marking their first joint meeting since Nasheed lost the party’s presidential primary, left the MDP to form a separate party, and later rejoined the MDP following the 2023 presidential election defeat.
After the meeting, Nasheed and Solih spoke to reporters, responding to questions on past disagreements and the 2028 presidential election.
Nasheed said that Solih had never been distant from him and that disagreements between them had not lasted long.
“We may argue at times, but we do not stay in debate for long,” Nasheed said, prompting laughter from both leaders.
Solih said differences of opinion are natural and that agreement is reached through discussion.
“We have always tried to move forward together, and that is how we have reached this point,” he said.
When questioned about plans for the next presidential election and the MDP presidential ticket, Solih said discussions on the matter had been deferred.
“We will look for the best path for the party. We will not move too far apart, and that is why we are here today,” he said.
As journalists pressed further on whether either leader would contest the next presidential election or support another candidate, Nasheed intervened and said the discussion would not continue at this stage.
“The matter is still being considered. When the time comes, it will be discussed. I think that should be accepted,” he said.
The first political contest involving supporters of Nasheed and Solih since Nasheed’s return to the MDP has emerged in the Malé mayoral primary.
Nasheed has expressed support for former Central Henveiru MP Ali Azim, who is also backed by a faction led by former MDP chairman Fayyaz Ismail. Solih has not publicly endorsed a candidate, but his close associates have confirmed support for incumbent Malé Mayor Adam Azim.
When asked about the differing positions, Nasheed initially declined to comment. Solih later said he would support whichever candidate wins the primary, adding that Nasheed would do the same.
