Nasheed: Others can also work for presidential ticket

Former President and leader of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed on Saturday said that others can work towards the presidential ticket.

The statement was seemingly directed at President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and is the second instance Nasheed has made such a comment.

Following President Solih’s announcement of his readiness for a second term, Nasheed commented that this was not the time to ‘set foot forth’ for the presidency.  

This new statement was made by Nasheed in the WhatApp group with MDP’s social media activists.

“In my opinion, MDP has not decided on a presidential candidate for 2023. But everyone can work towards the presidential candidacy. Candidates other than the President also come forth.”

In addition to this, Nasheed has claimed that President Solih’s hope for candidacy is linked to decisions that Jumhoory Party will make.

He said that the candidacy announcement was made after both JP and Adhaalath Party decided to remain by President Solih. However, things seemingly happened differently, since no discussions were held with either of these parties regarding presidential candidacy.

“Right after announcing the candidacy, the president had to depart to Maamigili. But it does not seem like JP made a decision. Right now, the President’s candidacy hope can only progress based on JP’s decision.”

After a lengthy hiatus, President Solih met with the press on Thursday, June 9. During this, he stated that MDP can only win the election as a coalition and that doing so, was his choice.

Should Nasheed contest in the presidential run, MP for Galholhu North and a close family member of his, Eva Abdulla has announced that she will be backing him as Vice President.

President Solih visited Maamigili on Friday, June 10. Upon arrival, he was warmly welcomed with a red carpet greeting by JP leader Qasim Ibrahim. Both leaders met and held discussions in Qasim’s Sun Island Resort.