President Solih indirectly slams Nasheed regarding coalitions

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Thursday, indirectly slammed Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) leader Mohamed Nasheed – stating those who advocated against coalitions are now working towards forming coalitions.

Speaking at an MDP event held on Thursday night at Th. Hirilandhoo – President Solih reiterated his earlier remarks that he could only win the upcoming presidential elections if he is backed by a coalition.

In this regard, the President stressed that the only formula for winning the election is by taking it on through a coalition. He exampled that all presidential elections previously held in the Maldives have been succeeded through coalitions.

“As I believe, those who were against this are now working towards forming a coalition with some party. This was not the case back then. I am working as I had stated on the day. I have extended an invitation to all the parties in the existing coalition; Adhaalath; Jumhoory Party and MRM. Hopefully, you will see positive results in this trajectory very soon,” he said.

It is highly probable that President Solih was referring to the recent meeting Nasheed held with Jumhoory Party’s leader Qasim Ibrahim.

Speaking further at last night’s event, President Solih said that he will be working alongside his current team in the future as well. On this note, he underscored having received the most assistance in the implementation of government policies and development projects from those who worked alongside him.

President Solih was accompanied by Economic Minister, MDP’s Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali, Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof, Kinbidhoo MP Mohamed Nashiz, Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam and MDP’s parliamentary group leader Mohamed Aslam at last night’s event.

As MDP prepares for the presidential elections – Adhaalath Party, included in the incumbent government coalition, has decided to endorse MDP’s presidential candidate, President Solih. Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) has also decided to back President Solih.

However, Jumhoory Party and Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), who are included in the incumbent government coalition, have yet to make a decision regarding the election.

During JP’s fourth congress held over the past weekend – the members unanimously voted to approve a recommendation to the party council to produce a candidate from the party to contest in this year’s presidential elections.

However, a formal decision on the presidential election will be made by the party’s council.

Qasim later met with President Solih at the President’s Office on Wednesday morning. However, he refused to disclose any details regarding the meeting to the press.