Nasheed says Solih will be included in MDP leadership

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih would play an active role in the leadership and decision-making of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) if he is elected chairperson of the party.

Speaking on the “Ebbasve Debasvama” podcast hosted by Dhauru, Nasheed said differences between him and Solih stemmed from political disagreements rather than personal issues.

“There will be times when we do not see eye to eye, but our bond remains close. President Solih will not be sidelined. My election as chairperson will facilitate a more effective collaboration between us,” Nasheed said.

Relations between the two leaders became strained during Solih’s presidency, leading to Nasheed’s departure from the MDP ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Nasheed later rejoined the party and is now campaigning alongside Fayyaz Ismail, who served in Solih’s administration.

The MDP chairperson election is scheduled for next month. While Nasheed is contesting for the position, supporters aligned with Solih are backing Meekail Ahmed Naseem.

Nasheed said Solih continues to lead a major faction within the party and described his role as important to the MDP’s future direction.

“God willing, as chairperson, I will ensure President Solih is deeply involved. He possesses political skills that are essential for our party’s progress,” Nasheed said.

He also stated that internal factions within the MDP are beneficial because they encourage consultation and discussion.

“No single individual—not myself, nor President Solih, Abdulla Shahid, or Fayyaz Ismail—can manage things in isolation. We must come together and engage in dialogue on every matter,” he said.

Nasheed said all factions would be formally recognised and included if he becomes chairperson.

Currently, Nasheed’s faction is aligned with that of Fayyaz Ismail, whom Nasheed has previously supported as a potential presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, Meekail has campaigned as a candidate independent of any faction and warned that electing a chairperson openly aligned with a presidential contender could deepen divisions within the party ahead of the 2028 presidential election.