Solih, Nasheed to Hold Talks as MDP Pushes for Unity Ahead of Elections

Former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said he will meet with Mohamed Nasheed in the coming days, as the two leaders move towards working together ahead of key upcoming elections

Speaking to members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Monday during a visit to Dhaalu Atoll Kudahuvadhoo, Solih called on party members to close ranks and present a united front in preparation for elections scheduled for next year. He made the remarks while travelling to Thaa Atoll Hirilandhoo.

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Solih said he plans to meet Nasheed after returning to Malé at the conclusion of his trip. He told party members that discussions between the two were already under way and that they would work together to secure victory for the MDP in the April elections. “You will see the two presidents working together,” he said.

Nasheed played a key role in Solih’s successful 2018 presidential campaign after Nasheed was barred from contesting due to a conviction that was later overturned. However, relations between the two deteriorated in the lead-up to the 2023 presidential election, particularly after Nasheed lost the MDP presidential primary to Solih in January that year.

The fallout between the two leaders deepened divisions within the MDP and ultimately led to Nasheed and his supporters leaving the party in June 2023 to form a new political party, the Democrats. Following the split, Nasheed publicly vowed to “dismantle” the MDP, a party he had helped to establish.

The division is widely regarded as a key factor in the MDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election.

In June this year, Nasheed and his allies dissolved the Democrats and rejoined the MDP, ahead of two major electoral contests: the local council elections in 2026 and the presidential election in 2028. Nasheed has previously said he is considering contesting the presidency.