Shahid says seeing Nasheed and Solih together has revived MDP hopes for the council elections

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdullah Shahid said on Monday evening that seeing former President Mohamed Nasheed and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih together again has revived the party’s spirit and strengthened hopes of winning the upcoming local council elections.

Shahid was referring to a meeting held between Nasheed and Solih last Wednesday, their first such encounter since the two leaders split into rival factions during the 2023 MDP presidential primary.

At the meeting, the two former presidents set aside past disagreements and announced that they would work together for the council elections.

Reflecting on the events of 2023, Shahid said the MDP has always been a party that accommodates diverse opinions, and he remains proud of that.  

“The heartache we experienced in 2023 was the bitter result of the failure to reach an agreement between the two former presidents after the primary held in this very space,” he said. “It was a very, very disappointing thing for all party members, including me.”

Shahid said the renewed unity between Nasheed and Solih has rekindled hope among members across the country, especially ahead of the local council polls.  

“I hope all those who have been divided in our cities, atolls and islands will reunite with this scene, and that we will be able to defeat this government in the upcoming local council elections,” he said.

He added that while the Maldives is currently facing a difficult period, there is strong confidence that the coming year will bring positive change.

Nasheed, who served as Speaker of Parliament during Solih’s administration, had been a vocal critic of the government. Their relationship deteriorated after Nasheed lost the 2023 MDP primary and amid disagreements over the transition to a parliamentary system.

Following the fallout, Nasheed left the MDP with several MPs and formed the Democrats, which contested the 2023 presidential election. After failing to advance, the party chose not to endorse any candidate in the second round, a decision many believe contributed to Solih’s defeat.

Nasheed rejoined the MDP last June after publicly expressing support for the government.