Solih reaffirms support for Meekail, says Nasheed ‘a bit late’ to enter race

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih reaffirmed his support for Meekail Ahmed Naseem for chairpersonship of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Friday, pointing out that former President Mohamed Nasheed had been “a bit late” in entering the race.

Solih, Nasheed and former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom recently formed an alliance against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.

Speaking to reporters after talks between the three former Maldivian leaders on Friday night, Solih was asked about his party’s upcoming chairpersonship election.

Solih said that he had already endorsed Meekail, the parliamentary representative for South Galolhu, when he announced his candidacy three months back.

He said that his support for Meekail remains unchanged despite his new alliance with Nasheed and Yameen.

“Next up is the internal election. President Nasheed was a bit late in entering the election. Meekail entered the election three months back. I announced my endorsement the moment he did,” said Solih.

Three people are contesting the MDP chairpersonship election; Meekail, Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed (Waadu). But the greatest rivalry appears to be between Nasheed, who, who has endorsed Fayyaz Ismail for MDP’s 2028 presidential ticket and promises to implement “big changes” to the system of governance in the Maldives, and Meekail, who promises to bridge internal factions within the MDP and remain neutral in the presidential primary.

MDP is scheduled to hold its chairpersonship election in June 12. However, a lawsuit was filed against the party with the Civil Court earlier in May, seeking to amend the election timeline.