President to Nasheed: 'MDP is not individual's party'

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday lashed out at his rival, MDP President Mohamed Nasheed, saying that MDP has become the largest political party in the Maldives due to the sacrifices of many people.

Addressing supporters at MDP's office in G.A. Villingili, President Solih said that "Bougainvillea Ibrahim Ismail" was the first to sign the formation of MDP and then he signed it. Everyone else signed up later, he said.

Stating that MDP is the sacrifice and work of many people, he said it is necessary to garner support in an election, but it is not in the party's favour to abuse those who led the formation of MDP. Without naming any particular person, he said, "It is possible that he has forgotten the work and sacrifices of others because he has stayed away from the party."

Later, the president noted that many of his colleagues had worked hard and sacrificed their lives in the formation of the party. Here are some of the names mentioned by the President:

"This is not a party of any one particular person. This is a party formed with the hard work of so many people. It would not be good for them or this party to shout whatever at those who sacrificed their lives in the formation of this party to achieve a particular goal," he said.

"I will go ahead with all the above mentioned people [who led the formation of the party]. I have no intention of leaving anyone out."

President Solih said that there has been no major political change in the Maldives. He said the way to form a government was to come together. Stating that it is clear to all, President Solih said that MDP can present a presidential candidate, but it should be someone who can win the presidential election.

"When we form a government together, it will be difficult. However, in a democracy, protecting the rights of minorities is an ideal. No one can be left out," he said.

He said he was ruling the country to ensure good things for all the people, irrespective of any ideology.

When President Solih arrived in Villingili, a very long queue came out to greet him. Referring to this, President Solih said that the visuals from the boat window gave him the impression that the primary had been won.

"I feel this is over in this island. I will take this primary by widening the difference," he said.

In his speech, the president noted that the party's support in Villingili has increased in many places. He said it shows that the people have accepted the development brought by the present government. 

He said that even if the primary was achieved, it did not end there. This, the president described as the beginning of MDP’s journey to win the presidential election.

Highlighting the development projects in the island, he said he would conduct a survey of the Kooddoo-Villingili bridge and start work on the project. He also said that priority has been given to expand the services of Villingili Hospital.

The president noted that the project to develop villingili port has been initiated as per the wishes of the people. He also said that considering the criticism faced by the people when the Kolamaafushi port was started, the project would also be changed as per the wishes of the people.