Nasheed: ‘I won't leave MDP again’

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said he will remain in the Maldivian Democratic Party regardless of the outcome of the party’s chairperson election, stating that he has no intention of distancing himself from the party even if he is defeated.

Nasheed made the remarks during a campaign meeting with MDP members in F. Bilehdhoo on Thursday.

Responding to a question from a party member about whether he would remain in the MDP if he lost the election, Nasheed said he expected to win but would continue to be part of the party regardless of the result.

“In my view, God willing, we will win the election. However, if I lose an election, I will quietly stay at home. But I will not distance myself from the party,” he said.

Nasheed previously left the MDP following his defeat to former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the party’s 2023 presidential primary. He later returned to the party and has since apologised to members for his departure.

During the meeting, Nasheed again expressed regret over leaving the party.

“This is my whole life. My youth was spent building this party. I will not abandon this party again,” he said.

Nasheed also reflected on the sacrifices made by party members during the formation and growth of the MDP, noting that many people had suffered injuries and hardships during the party’s early years.

“Unless I am thrown out of this party, I will remain. If you keep me in this party, I will stay,” he said.

He added that he remained proud of the MDP and noted that the party continued to function after his departure.

Nasheed concluded by calling on members to ask Solih about the circumstances that led to his exit from the party.

“I request that you also pose a question to President Solih. Ask him what happened that caused President Nasheed to leave us,” he said.

Nasheed is contesting the MDP chairperson election against Meekail Ahmed Naseem.