Shihab resigns from post as advisor to president

Advisor to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Mohamed Shihab, has resigned from his post.

The President’s Office’s Spokesperson Miuvaan Mohamed confirmed Shihab’s resignation to Sun.

Shihab is a supporter of Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed who recently resigned from his post as the leader of main ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Nasheed, following his loss to President Solih in MDP’s presidential primary for the upcoming presidential elections, initiated a separate political movement within the party, backed by scores of his supporters.

Shihab was among Nasheed’s supporters actively participating in the movement’s activities including discussions with Jumhoory Party (JP)’s presidential candidate in forming a coalition for the presidential elections. Shihab participated in the discussions as a delegate of Nasheed.

Photos of the meetings had gone viral on social media, many critiquing Shihab’s participation as he remained the advisor to President Solih.

Shihab has previously served as the Home Minister, Finance Minister, Parliament Speaker and Mayor of Male’ City. 

Nasheed left MDP on June 21st. Elections Commission (EC), on Sunday, granted approval for 'The Democrats' - a new political party being formed by supporters of Nasheed who defected from MDP - to hold its inaugural congress confirmed by Nasheed to attend.