Solih: Post-election rift resolved; solution found for unity among leadership

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Friday night, said that the internal rift within the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which emerged following last Saturday’s elections, has been resolved, with the party’s leadership reaching a consensus on working collaboratively.

Tensions within the MDP intensified after former President Mohamed Nasheed was reportedly not given the opportunity to speak at the ‘Heyvalla Thahyaaru’ rally to celebrate the party’s electoral success. In response, Nasheed’s supporters boycotted the event.

The situation escalated further when a petition endorsed by 55 members was submitted seeking the removal of the party’s interim chairperson, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa. Subsequently, a National Council meeting was scheduled for next Monday to deliberate on the matter. The motion to remove Ghafoor was led by members aligned with Nasheed.

Addressing a rally in Hinnavaru on Friday night amid heightened internal tensions, Solih affirmed that the disputes have now been settled. He stated that all party leaders have agreed to move forward in unity.

"Following the issues that arose two days ago, all of us in the leadership and senior positions have been engaged in discussions to find a resolution. I spent yesterday, last night, and today working on this. We have now successfully found a solution," Solih stated.

Solih further emphasized that the MDP leadership will remain united as it works towards the broader objective of securing victory in the 2028 Presidential Election. He described the recent disagreements as reflective of the party’s democratic character, where internal debate and differing perspectives are not uncommon.

This episode of internal discord mirrors previous divisions within the party during Solih’s administration, which ultimately led to a significant split. During that period, supporters of Nasheed broke away to establish The Democrats. However, many of those members have since rejoined the MDP and played an active role in the recent local council election campaigns.

Several MDP members have attributed the party’s substantial success in the local council elections to the collective efforts of a unified party, including the active involvement of President Nasheed.