Solih absent from rally due to travel outside Malé: family

Family of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that he was unable to attend last night's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) rally because he was out of Male'.

Solih's brother, former MP Ali Niyaz, cited travel outside Male' as the reason why Solih was absent from MDP's celebratory event last night to welcome former President Mohamed Nasheed back to the party.

Solih is currently in Malaysia.

MDP senior officials at last night's rally were Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and party President Abdulla Shahid. Mention of Solih was also absent in Nasheed's speech at the rally.

Solih, meanwhile, has announced that he plans to run in the 2028 presidential elections on an MDP ticket. He made the announcement at a meeting with some senior officials of MDP a day before the rally.

MDP has not yet officially commented on Solih's decision.

Nasheed has also announced intentions to contest in the next presidential election.

MDP decided on April 12 to hold their congress ahead of August 15. It is believed that the congress will reach a decision on a candidate the party will back for the 2028 presidential election.