Solih And Nasheed Meet To Discuss Working Together Ahead Of Local Council Elections

Former presidents Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Mohamed Nasheed have met ahead of the upcoming local council elections, with both leaders signalling an intention to work together to present a united front for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The meeting follows renewed engagement between the two senior figures after a prolonged rift that split the party in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election. Solih had recently told party members that discussions with Nasheed were under way and urged unity within the MDP as it prepares for key electoral contests.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Nasheed was instrumental in Solih’s successful 2018 presidential campaign, but relations later soured, culminating in Nasheed’s departure from the MDP in 2023 and the formation of The Democrats. That split is widely seen as a major factor behind the MDP’s loss in the last presidential election.

Earlier this year, Nasheed and his allies dissolved The Democrats and rejoined the MDP, ahead of the local council elections and the longer-term build-up to the next presidential race. The renewed cooperation between Solih and Nasheed marks a significant step towards consolidating the party as it seeks to rebuild unity and electoral strength.