During an evening event on Tuesday, Speaker Mohamed Nasheed suggested a potential twist in the upcoming presidential election, hinting that The Democrats, a recently established breakaway party under his leadership, might reconsider their involvement in the run-off phase. Addressing a gathering at a campaign rally held in Fuvahmulah for The Democrats’ presidential candidate, Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb, Nasheed extended an appeal to the main opposition party, PPM.
“We have a crucial message to convey to PPM members tonight. Let us not be compelled to support MDP in the second round,” articulated Nasheed, who was once the president of MDP. He had previously contested and lost the MDP’s presidential nomination to the current incumbent, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, in January.
Nasheed earnestly implored PPM members to make thoughtful decisions in the forthcoming presidential election, emphasizing the significance of their choices. “I am urging you to pay close attention, listen intently, and reflect. We should not impose a scenario where The Democrats are compelled to support MDP in a potential second round. We must prevent such a scenario,” he reiterated.
Highlighting the current political landscape in the Maldives, Nasheed acknowledged the influence and popularity of PPM, asserting their potential to make impactful changes. Furthermore, he made a call for the release of the opposition leader and former President, Abdulla Yameen, who was unable to participate in the presidential race under the PPM banner.
“We are fully cognizant of the political dynamics in the Maldives and are tailoring our strategies accordingly,” Nasheed remarked. “The paramount requirement for our nation at present is undoubtedly to see a change in leadership. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih should no longer govern this country.”
Although Nasheed hinted at the possibility of The Democrats not participating in the second round, he had previously affirmed that Ilyas, the party’s candidate, would indeed be present in the run-off phase.
Meanwhile, President Solih, speaking at his own campaign rally in Hoadedhdhoo on Tuesday, dismissed The Democrats’ participation as merely symbolic, asserting that the party’s involvement aimed at fragmenting the electorate’s choices.
