Solih: Nasheed should stick to pushing national reforms with Yameen and I, not run for MDP chair

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) chairpersonship election is not the place for former President Mohamed Nasheed, says former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, adding that he should remain focused on the work to push national reforms the two recently initiated with former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

He made the remarks at a rally held in his home island of Lh. Hinnavaru on Wednesday night to gather support for South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem in the upcoming MDP chairpersonship election.

Addressing the rally, Solih said that it is wrong for political leaders to believe that only they can get things done, and sideline others due to lack of experience.

He said that the time has come to pave the way for new leadership in the MDP.

Solih noted that Nasheed was a seasoned politician who served as MDP’s first chairperson, as its president, and as the country’s president. Solih said he was proud that the party is able to foster young politicians who can complete against such a figure.

“I don’t believe this is an election President Nasheed should be contesting. This is the time for him to stick with us in the United Democratic Front to continue the work we three presidents have started to reform this country,” he said.

Solih said that what he hopes to see is for former top party officials to set aside and hand over the mantle to new leaders.

He warned that the party risks losing its popularity if it is unable to foster a new generation of leaders.

Solih said that while 40 percent of the country’s voting population is made up of youth, the number of youths in the party itself has dropped to 17 percent.

Solih said what while he respects Nasheed’s contributions, his decision to endorse Meekail is based on his vision for the party’s future.

He said that Meekail had entered the race with a clearcut manifesto on how to develop the party. He also expressed confidence that Meekail will remain a neutral referee in the party’s presidential primary as promised.

Solih said that former President Abdulla Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s long 30-year rule had denied opportunities to two generations of leaders.

I don’t wish for something like this to happen within the MDP itself, he said.

Solih said that the most important task for him, Nasheed and Yameen was to change the government and reform the country through the United Democratic Front.