Will win presidential election in one round, Pres says

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Friday that he will win the upcoming presidential election in a single round.

The president made the remarks at a public meeting held in Male carnival area Friday evening to formally present the presidential ticket to him after winning the party's primary on January 28.

After receiving the presidential ticket, he highlighted the importance of MDP winning the upcoming presidential elections. He said winning the election was the only thing the party could do to "reach the destination it always wanted".

President Solih said that winning the 2018 presidential election and coming to power was a "journey of great sacrifice, dedication and perseverance" by MDP. 

"Our destination and goals are almost within reach now, and there is just one step left to take," he said.

He called upon the entire party to stand united and win the elections. He also invited all party members to join the cause.

"With the blessings of God, MDP will win the upcoming presidential election in one round," he said.

MDP officially handed over the presidential ticket to President Solih on Friday evening, but the meeting was not attended by party president Mohamed Nasheed, who had unsuccessfully contested the primary against him. Although Nasheed accepted the results of the primary, he decided not to support Solih in the presidential election and a close aide to him has filed a petition in the civil court seeking the cancellation of the primary.