Solih pledges to support MDP leadership regardless of election outcome
He said the MDP had remained strong over the years because opportunities within the party had been opened to its members.
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said he will work with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) leadership regardless of the outcome of the party's chairperson election and will continue efforts to hold the government accountable.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote on Friday, Solih described the ongoing election as an example of a maturing democratic process, noting that members were participating actively in the vote.
He said the MDP had remained strong over the years because opportunities within the party had been opened to its members.
"MDP has remained as MDP up until now because these opportunities have been broadened and opened up to everyone," Solih said.
Solih, who has publicly backed Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem in the election, said the final outcome remained uncertain.
He noted that a victory for Meekail would represent a transition of party leadership to a new generation, while a victory for former President Mohamed Nasheed would bring leadership backed by experience in government and politics.
"If Meekail Naseem wins the election, it will mark a shift where the party's leadership transitions to a new generation. Then there is President Nasheed. If President Nasheed gets elected, what we will see is him stepping up once again with experience, including governance experience," Solih said.
He added that the party's focus should remain on continuing its efforts to hold the government accountable.
"One thing is for certain: I will stand with the MDP. Regardless of who is in the leadership, I will be there in everything that needs to be done to hold this government accountable," he said.
Solih also stressed the importance of maintaining unity within the party after the election, saying he did not believe any future leader would allow divisions to emerge.
"I do not believe any leader will let that happen," he said.
On the 2028 presidential election, Solih said it was too early to discuss potential candidates and that he would support whichever course was in the party's best interest.
"If someone steps forward who can guarantee 100 per cent that they are the one who can win the presidential election, I will stand right there with that individual," he said.
More than 50,000 members are eligible to vote in the MDP chairperson election, which is being held from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm. According to the party, more than 10,000 members had cast their ballots by Friday afternoon.
