Pres says Yameen 'not okay at all'

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Friday issued an indirect reply to former President Mohamed Nasheed, saying former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is "not okay" in any manner and that there is no political work to be done with Yameen.

Nasheed compared his rival President Solih and opposition leader and PPM president Yameen during his primary campaigns and praised Yameen as "someone very aware and has a vision", unlike President Solih. Nasheed said the only difference of opinion between Yameen and PPM and him was the idea of 'India Out'.

President Solih, during his 'MDP Ahead - Ibu 2023' campaign, said at artificial beach this evening that Yameen was "not ok" in response to Nasheed’s remarks.

President Solih said that there will be things that cannot be done for the sake of democracy and the Maldivian system.

"I'm not okay with the people behind the violence you've been subjected to in the past and the fear you've known. There is no political work I will do with them," he said.

"President Yameen is not ok. There's no work to do together."

Nasheed's praise of Yameen at a press conference on Monday has drawn the ire of president Solih's supporters. Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi also expressed her displeasure over the move.

In an indirect response to rival Nasheed about Yameen, President Solih said that this is MDP’s first chance to seek a second presidential term. Urging his supporters to take advantage of the opportunity, he said he was ready for it.

"I will win this primary with huge support. There is no doubt about it. Its been decided here today. It's over, it's over, it's over," he said, referring to the large number of people who had gathered at the event.

In his speech, president Solih said that he should be elected for a second term in office. He read out a list of what he had achieved during his tenure, what he was doing and planning to do.