Nasheed and Solih Emphasise Unity Despite Past Disagreements

Former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that despite their past disagreements, they have always managed to set them aside and work together.

Speaking at a joint press conference, the two former presidents—both elected on Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) tickets with the backing of political coalitions—reflected on their political relationship and the party’s role in Maldivian politics.

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Nasheed said his relationship with Solih has never been distant, even during periods of disagreement. 

“President Solih is not someone who has been a distant person to me at any point. Even if we may get into disagreements sometimes, my heart does not say we can stay in that way too long…,” Nasheed said. 

Solih echoed the sentiment, describing their relationship as one built on a strong foundation. He said disagreements have been a constant feature of their political journey, but they have always found ways to move forward. 

ރައީސް @ibusolih އާއި ރައީސް @MohamedNasheed މީޑިއާ އާއި ބައްދަލު ކުރެެއްވުން ކުރިއަށްދަނީ. pic.twitter.com/PZY1cXuMXY— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) December 24, 2025

“As President Nasheed said, our relationship did not begin yesterday or the day before. We have always had disagreements, including in political matters. However, we have always found a way to move forward despite the challenges,” Solih said.

Reflecting on their strained relationship in the past, both presidents said the disagreements should have never escalated as they did, and it was due to a failure on their part to communicate effectively. They added that they are now working together after putting their past issues behind them, including the accusations they made against each other.

Some of which were personal in nature as well.

Both leaders also spoke about the Maldivian Democratic Party and its place in the country’s political landscape. Nasheed said the MDP played a pivotal role in enabling public participation in politics. 

“This is an organisation in the Maldives that provided Maldivians with the opportunity to participate in political activity,” he said, noting that several parties formed around the same time have since dissolved, while the MDP has endured.

Nasheed attributed the party’s longevity to its internal mechanisms, including its national congress and functioning internal committees. He said both he and Solih have played significant roles in sustaining the party and carry a responsibility to continue contributing for the benefit of future generations.

Solih added that the MDP’s democratic structure and inclusive nature have been central to its survival. He noted that the party marked its 20th anniversary last year and said it has remained intact because it is built on democratic values and institutions.

 “Other parties have dissolved, but this party has continued for 20 years because it is built on such pillars,” he said.