Solih declines to comment on presidential primary bid

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declined to confirm whether he will contest in Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) upcoming presidential primary.

Speaking on Raajje TV’s "Falasuruhee" programme, Solih deflected the question, saying, “That’s not a good question to ask today,” when pressed about his decision.

“This is a day to celebrate the MDP’s 20th anniversary, and people who were once distant are now coming together,” he said, referencing the recent rejoining of former President Mohamed Nasheed and members of The Democrats.

Solih said he harbored no resentment and that Nasheed was well aware of that.

He also welcomed the merger of The Democrats with MDP, adding that it is a positive step.

“I’m very happy today that The Democrats have joined the MDP. We have almost the same mindset,” Solih said.

He revealed that talks had begun between MDP and The Democrats shortly after MDP’s defeat in last year’s presidential election, with the initial proposal being a coalition. However, Solih said he believed a full merger was more beneficial.

“When the idea [of a coalition] was brought to me, I initially disagreed. I said the best way forward for both The Democrats, the MDP, and the country was for The Democrats to join the MDP,” he said.

“There were disagreements within the leadership at the time, but in the end, things turned out as I had hoped.”

Solih said the unification had strengthened the party and insisted it was time to look forward, not back.

When asked whether he believed his loss in the presidential election was due to The Democrats fielding a separate candidate, he said it was one of several factors. Others included the opposition’s claims that Indian military personnel were stationed in Maldives, and misinformation surrounding the Chagos dispute.

“Their campaign based on the lie that armed Indian troops were stationed in Maldives made people believe it,” he said.

Although Solih has not officially confirmed his candidacy, he has spoken of his intention to contest in meetings with senior MDP leaders.

Solih however said that party focus should remain on next year’s local council elections rather than early preparations for the presidential race.

Nasheed rejoins MDP after two-year split