Solih congratulates Nasheed, says MDP must focus on holding govt accountable

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Friday congratulated former President Mohamed Nasheed on his victory in the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairperson election, stating that the party now faces the task of holding the government accountable.

In a message shared on social media, Solih said the election had once again demonstrated the functioning of internal democracy within the MDP and called on members to move forward together.

Nasheed secured the MDP chairperson position in Friday's election, defeating Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem and MDP member Ibrahim Mohamed (Wade).

Congratulating Nasheed, Solih said the party had significant political work ahead.

"At this moment, the MDP faces an immense amount of political work to hold the government accountable. I have no doubt that you will lead the way forward by drawing upon your experience in executing these responsibilities," Solih said.

Solih also congratulated Meekail, who he supported during the campaign, and said the MP had a promising future in politics.

Meekail's campaign received backing from Solih, who attended campaign events and publicly endorsed his candidacy throughout the contest.

The election marked another chapter in the relationship between Solih and Nasheed, who worked together for many years within the MDP but later became divided over political and party matters during Solih's presidency.

The disagreements eventually contributed to Nasheed's departure from the MDP ahead of the 2023 presidential election. Many party members have argued that divisions within the party played a role in the MDP's defeat in that election.

Nasheed later rejoined the party and contested the chairperson election with the support of former MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail.

With the chairperson election concluded, senior party figures have increasingly emphasised the need for unity as the MDP prepares for future political campaigns and the 2028 presidential election.